2012 Irish Champion Hurdle Betting Preview

One of the most widely-anticipated contests on the Irish hurdles calendar is set to unfold in just a few days as the 2012 Irish Champion Hurdle will see only a few brave contenders step up to tackle the highly-talented emerging star of the 2m circuit, Hurricane Fly.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE BET WITH WILLIAM HILL!

The venerable Willy Mullins-trained son of Montjeu has strung together a pile of wins with only a single third place effort in the Punchestown Hurdle putting him off of a perfect streak since arriving on Irish shores in the fall of 2008.

Hurricane Fly finished last season with a festival double, having captured the Champion Hurdle at 11/4 over the talented Peddlers Cross and then kicking on to score in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle on home turf at Punchestown over a field of six that included Thousand Stars. This time he was well-backed with a slim listing of 1/2.

Thousand Stars returns looking for revenge here and he's already got two races under his belt, having captured the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle over a slim field of four that included Oscars Well, who also turns up here. He then finished second to Unaccompanied in the Istabraq at Leopardstown shortly before new years. He's made a habit of running in the top two so he will doubtlessly be a popular place option.

Unaccompanied turns out as well for this one and is carrying a bottom weight of 11-1. He's looked good so far this year but has not been campaigned against quality resembling Hurricane Fly. If he can continue to progress, remember he is only 5, you may want to give him a second look for the place option.

Voler La Vedette is still entered for this one but is not expected to run so it may turn out to be a mere five runners on the day at Leopardstown.