Sublimity back for more

Champion Hurdle winner Sublimity returns to the scene of his greatest triumph as he heads a high-class field in tomorrow’s Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

John Carr’s charge will be having his first start since his Festival success when he lines up against seven rivals in the two-mile-one-furlong event.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Afsoun finished third in the Champion and will reoppose, while Irish raider Macs Joy runs for Jessica Harrington.

Straw Bear makes his seasonal bow for Nick Gifford while the David Pipe-trained Osana and Paul Nicholls’ Desert Quest, who has been chasing of late, have also been declared.

Last season’s Triumph Hurdle hero Katchit will tackle his elders once again after finishing third in Newcastle’s ’Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle and he is one of two runners for trainer Alan King.

Likely outsider and 2005 Triumph winner Penzance also represents the yard.

Desert Quest won the County Hurdle at the Festival in 2006 but fell short in Graded company last term.

Nicholls then switched his sights to chasing and although Desert Quest has won both of his starts over the bigger obstacles this season, the trainer is anticipating a bold show back over hurdles.

“If it stays dry he will run,” said Nicholls.

“He has had a couple of runs over fences and enjoyed himself but there is nothing to lose by running and the ground will suit him.”