City 'on course' for Cheltenham test

Philip Hobbs declared Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City to be bang “on course” for the Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Triumph Hurdle winner showed himself to be in good order with an authoritative display in the Greatwood Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month.

Hobbs sees the International, formerly known as the Bula Hurdle, as the perfect stepping stone en-route to the Champion Hurdle at the Festival, for which he is as low as 100-30.

The Somerset-based trainer said: “Detroit City is very much on course for the big race at Cheltenham on Saturday.

“I am more than happy with him, very pleased.

“I gather that Hardy Eustace is likely to come over from Ireland and take him on but I have no idea otherwise who he will be up against.”

Connections have confirmed that dual Champion Hurdle champ Hardy Eustace is on target for a weekend reappearance.

Following a stylish victory over Mighty Man at Ascot, hopes are high he can claim an unprecedented third Champion Hurdle.

Eileen Hughes, wife of trainer Dessie Hughes, said: “We are hoping to send Hardy Eustace over to Cheltenham this weekend.

“The weather forecast looks reasonable but we don’t want heavy ground. Winter-soft ground is what we would like.

“The travelling doesn’t bother him at all and he’s in good form.”