Paul Nicholls: Zarkandar not a certain Betfair Hurdle starter

Celestial Halo and Empire Levant are the two most likely runners in next month's big hurdle at Newbury, says Paul

I have five entries in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month, and I see that Zarkandar heads the market at around the [7.0] mark.

But a word of warning for punters: I have made no firm plans for the race at this stage for any of my entries.

As it stands, I would say that Celestial Halo and Empire Levant would be likely runners.

Celestial Halo was awesome in winning at the course on New Year's Eve, and that brought his record in handicap hurdles to three from three. And when you consider that win came off a mark of 160, you realise what a high-class performance that was. It is further proof that, while he can struggle off level weights against the top guns over 2m, he has the necessary class to give weight away to lesser horses. So, on a track he loves, he looks set to take his chance, even though he has been raised to 165. Not many horses win handicaps off those kind of marks but I do have the option of taking 7lb off with Harry Derham.

Empire Levant is a horse I like but was held up after being cast in his box over Christmas. If he isn't ready in time, he will go straight to the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. If Celestial Halo runs, he will have a nice racing weight.

It was nice of one reporter this week to point out to the handicapper how well the 2011 Triumph Hurdle form is working out, and I have been very happy with Zarkandar since his setback (like Empire Levant, he too was cast in his box). But if you fancy him, then I would hold fire for the time being. He has alternative engagements at Wincanton, Haydock and Sandown, and conditions, as well as his well-being nearer the time, will dictate where he goes.

But he is shaping very well at home and the only race that matters for him is the Champion Hurdle.

I see Brampour is available at well over [100.0] on Betfair for the Champion Hurdle, and he would have been a fraction of that price had we not run him last time. He is 100pc at home. As for Rock On Ruby, he probably goes straight to the Champion.

To round off, I may as well give you a quick summary of my Ryanair entries, too. I have outlined in other columns today the plans for Kauto Stone and Poquelin, and I may aim The Nightingale at a handicap at Ascot on January 21, while Aerial may go to for a handicap at Cheltenham on January 28. Woolcombe Folly needs to step up on his efforts this season but better ground and a longer trip may just see him in a better light.

However, as normal with horses, none of the above is set in stone and things change weekly. So keep following me on my Betfair column!

Paul Nicholls / 15 Jan 2012