PENNY A DAY and Khayrawani were made 10 to 1 joint-favourites or the 1997 Ladbroke when the weights were released yesterday or the big Irish handicap due to be run at Leopardstown on Saturday, January 11th.

Ladbrokes spokesman Ed Nicholson said: "Penny A Day looks potentially well handicapped on 11st 2lb and Mary Reveley's unbeaten gelding certainly looks as if there could be more improvement to come.

"Khayrawani is another who has done nothing but improve this season, and warrants plenty of respect."

Urubande, last season's Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle and Martell Aintree Hurdle winner, has been allotted top weight of 12st and the sponsors quote him at 20 to 1, while Triumph Hurdle hero, Paddy's Return has 11st 3lb and is 16 to 1.