Timeform Irish Daily: Festival Hurdle, Saturday, Leopardstown 14:00

Timeform
28 December 2012

Hurricane Fly will bid to secure another Grade 1

Join

Twitter

Facebook

View the Betslip

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to the Festival Hurdle, featuring Hurricane Fly...

This looks a straightforward task for Hurricane Fly who is expected to land his thirteenth Grade One success with the minimum of fuss...

Captain Cee Bee is a high-class performer around 2m and had a rusty Thousand Stars back in fourth when landing the Grade 2 Tipperary Hurdle in October. No match for Hurricane Fly in the Morgiana since, however.

Hurricane Fly was an outstanding hurdler who has won on 14 of his 17 starts. Only defeat last term came when third in the Champion Hurdle and made successful return to action at Punchestown last month. Hard to beat.

Thousand Stars is a high-class hurdler and versatile to boot, winning Grade 1s at between 2m and 25f. Needed run after 4 months off at Tipperary in October and expected to be more like his usual self here.

Tilabay's best effort over hurdles when winning handicap at Listowel in 2009/10 on sole start for Willie Mullins. Creditable efforts when runner-up in handicaps last term, but flying way too high here.

Unaccompanied is a listed winner on Flat and a smart hurdler, beating Thousand Stars in this corresponding event last season. Fit from Flat, but proved no match for Hurricane Fly in the past.

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

Timeform View: This looks a straightforward task for Hurricane Fly who is expected to land his thirteenth Grade One success with the minimum of fuss. Thousand Stars and Unaccompanied should fight it out for minor honours.

Half-price Race Passes with brand new features - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. And get a FREE gift too! Find out more at timeform.com.