Ted Walsh last night described Commanche Court as an "unlikely runner" in Sunday's AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

"Only if some of the fancied ones come out and the race cuts up would I run him," Walsh said. He added that the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury is the most likely target for his Triumph Hurdle winner.

"He's in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday week and we'll look and see what's in that, but the Tote looks the obvious race," said Walsh. "He's a good bit perkier in himself this week and it may be that he's a better horse fresh."