Punchestown's timing is perfect. If anyone was starting to flag after three festival days and the attraction of a fourth day of indulgence was beginning to fade, then the appearance of Istabraq is sure to perk them up.
A dual Champion Hurdler, winner of all but two of his 18 starts over flights and acclaimed as "by far the best I've ridden" by another champion in rider Charlie Swan, Istabraq is truly a racing superstar.
Remarkably, the bad news for his six opponents in today's newly instituted £110,000 Shell Champion Hurdle is that Istabraq may only now be hitting his seasonal peak.
Aidan O'Brien's concern before Cheltenham was Istabraq was heavier for this year's Champion Hurdle than last. Although there was never a question of him getting beaten, Istabraq's display of dominance wasn't quite as awesome as it had been in 1998. True enough, Istabraq stripped lighter for the Aintree Hurdle and treated French Holly with gobsmacking disdain.
Swan hardly moved in the closing stages, no doubt with today in mind, and Istabraq should have little difficulty making his record 17 from 19. It will also be handsome revenge for the only time he has been beaten in Ireland was here on his jumping debut in late 1996.
The County Hurdle first and second, Sir Talbot and Decoupage, represent Britain in this but don't look in Istabraq's class, so the one to chase home Istabraq could be the remarkably improved handicapper, Limestone Lad.
The other Grade One contest on the card is the David Austin Chase, where six raiders travel from Britain. The Cathcart winner, Stormyfairweather, tops the weights but this is a very competitive race and the value could be further down in the handicap.
Michael Cunningham gives Manus The Man another taste of the Punchestown air after his second to Ferbert Junior on Tuesday, but the winner may instead be Cunningham's other runner, Nuzum Road Makers.
A horse who won't mind the drying ground, Nuzum Road Makers has not been the luckiest over fences so far but had an encouraging warm up when winning over hurdles at Fairyhouse from Tuesday's winner, Mary's Manna, and looks an ideal candidate for this race.
The Ellier Hurdle is an interesting juvenile contest, and although the form of Francis Bay behind Balla Sola at Fairyhouse suggests he is going to be hard to beat, slight preference is for the fourth that day, Frozen Groom.
Noel Meade's horses have been in good form this week and Frozen Groom was bang in contention in that Fairyhouse race until making a mistake at the second last. Those who will be depending on the bumper as a getting out race could do a lot worse than go with the Cunningham-trained Knockalassa, a horse with good hurdles form who could prove too tough for Tom Magnier's mount, Hang 'Em High.
