/ Editor / 23 February 2007 /

Jockey Robert Thornton believes Hardy Eustace has what it takes to win the Champion Hurdle for a third time ahead of Brave Inca and Detroit City.

"Detroit City has been in cracking form for the Philip Hobbs team and Richard Johnson's mount will obviously be going to Cheltenham with a great chance," Thornton told the Gloucester Echo.

"He's the sort of horse who only does enough to win and I thought he was value for a lot more when he beat Straw Bear last time."

The jockey added: "The two Irish horses, Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace, have been there and done it in the Champion Hurdle and they look his most serious dangers next month.

"It's probably between those three at this stage and I'd be really hard pressed to choose between them.

"Forced into it, I think I'd go for Hardy Eustace, who has won the race twice and showed he was coming to the boil when he beat Brave Inca last time."

Detroit City remains at the head of the Betfair market for the contest on March 13 at 4.1, ahead of Brave Inca on 5.6 while Thornton's choice, Hardy Eustace, is available at 6.4.

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