Timeform Irish Daily: Irish Champion Hurdle, Sunday, Leopardstown 14:30

Race of the Day / Timeform / 29 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Willie Mullins' Hurricane Fly.

"Hurricane Fly has already missed a couple of intended targets this campaign but has a good record fresh and sets a high standard..."

Timeform takes a look over a small but select field for the Irish Champion Hurdle, the second Grade 1 on Leopardstown's Sunday card...

Hurricane Fly proved he's the best two-miler around last term, winning all 5 starts (all Grade 1s), including the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Has an absence to overcome but sets the clear standard on form.

Oscars Well was an impressive winner of 2 Grade 1 novice hurdles last term prior to finishing fourth in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham. Continued progression this term too, but still faces stiff task here.

Thousand Stars is a tough and reliable performer. Won Grade 1s at Auteuil (3m) in June and Punchestown (2m) in November, beating Oscars Well in latter. Came up short behind Unaccompanied last time, though.

Kalann is a progressive hurdler, winning minor event at Cheltenham in October and then second in Grade 2 at Down Royal. Looks out of his depth in this company, however.

Unaccompanied was one of the top juvenile hurdlers last season, second in the Triumph, and going right way this term too, showing good turn of foot to defeat Thousand Stars and Oscars Well in Grade 1 here last time.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hurricane Fly
2. Unaccompanied
3. Thousand Stars

Timeform View: Hurricane Fly has already missed a couple of intended targets this campaign but has a good record fresh and sets a high standard after his coming-of-age season in 2010/11. Unaccompanied is progressing well and looks best placed to take advantage of any chink in the favourite's armour, while the consistent Thousand Stars can complete the 3.

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