Fly hardens as Champion Hurdle favourite

Hurricane Fly recorded his third win of the season with a comfortable victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday. Triumphant in 16 of 19 hurdle starts, the 2011 Cheltenham champion looks back to his best. The 9-year-old is a best price 3/1 (Coral) to win his second Champion Hurdle at the Festival in March. 

Despite the absence of Bobs Worth and Tidal Bay, the Argento Chase served up a treat.  After 680 days off the track, former Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander put in a heroic performance, only to be caught on the line by Cape Tribulation.

The 2010 Gold Cup winner is a best price 25/1 (Boylesports) to regain his title in March. Although he put in a thrilling performance, it is worth noting the Racing Post rated his Argento run 23lbs below his best.

The winner, Cape Tribulation, is available at 33/1 (Boylesports) for the blue riband event at the Festival, despite carrying 6lbs more than Imperial Commander in the Argento.

On the same card, Reve De Sivola defeated Oscar Whisky by a neck in the Cleeve Hurdle, however the bookmakers can’t split the pair for the World Hurdle. Both are available at 5/1 with Betfred.