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Odds-on Hurricane Fly one of 12 entries for Tuesday's feature

DEFENDING CHAMPION Hurricane Fly is one of 12 remaining entries in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Thu Mar 08 2012 - 00:00

DEFENDING CHAMPION Hurricane Fly is one of 12 remaining entries in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Willie Mullins’s excellent hurdler had question marks over his wellbeing after missing his first few possible engagements this season, but he returned to action with a stunning victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle in January and is odds-on to retain his crown.

Ireland’s champion trainer has also left in Thousand Stars, fourth last year, and Zaidpour, who has gone unbeaten this season.

Paul Nicholls has four of the remaining entries, headed by last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner, Zarkandar. Rock On Ruby also had solid claims after being touched off in the Christmas Hurdle, while Celestial Halo and Brampour could also run.

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Nicky Henderson started the season with four possible candidates but with Spirit Son and Grandouet injured and Oscar Whisky taking on Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle, he relies solely upon 2010 winner Binocular.

Donald McCain went close with Peddlers Cross last year and again runs Overturn, who is likely to put the pace to the race.

Jessica Harrington will hope Oscars Well has more luck than at Cheltenham 12 months ago when he finished an unfortunate fourth in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

Sabrina Harty’s Kalann and the Tom George-trained Olofi are the other possibles.

Quevega remains on course to bid for a fourth straight win in the OLBG.comMares Hurdle at Cheltenham. Mullins's star features among 24 six-day entries for the Tuesday showpiece but could face a stern test against Unaccompanied who was second in last year's JCB Triumph Hurdle and who has won at Grade One level this season.

Our Girl Salley, Swincombe Flame and Kentford Grey Lady are also towards the head of the betting.

Kauto Star continues to make strides in his race to be primed for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday week. It is nearly a week since news emerged the star 12-year-old had taken a schooling fall at home.

But trainer Paul Nicholls is planning a racecourse gallop for the dual Gold Cup victor at Wincanton tomorrow and the horse did his routine exercise yesterday.