Hurdles handicapper Phil Judge yesterday yesterday stated that current Cheltenham favourite Istabraq is difficult to rate, despite gaining his ninth straight win in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Judge, a British Horseracing Board handicapper for six years, said: "He keeps doing it but unfortunately there is nothing in Ireland, and nothing has been sent across from Britain, to test him," he said. "But he looks very useful."

Judge also poured cold water on the euphoria following Dato Star's runaway victory in the Haydock Park Champion Hurdle Trial.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle betting (Ladbrokes): 7-2 Istabraq, 6-1 Dato Star, 7-1 Shadow Leader, 12-1 bar.