Hurricane Fly Headlines 2012 Champion Hurdle Ante Post

Willy Mullins talented hurdler Hurricane Fly represents one of Ireland's best chances of landing a victory on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. The eight-year-old son of Montjeu has plenty to offer going forward and his price can currently be found as high as 9/4 with several major bookmakers. Some have recently taken him into 7/4 with expectations that he will likely run away with the 2012 Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown towards the end of the month.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE BET ON CHELTENHAM WITH LADBROKES!

Hurricane Fly has been priced at odds-on for a victory in the Grade 1 Irish hurdles contest and punters will likely see his price cut in half for the Cheltenham ante post market as he continues to emerge as the stand-out contender in his division.

Grandouet will be competitive for the Cheltenham Festival and he's emerging as the key competition for Hurricane Fly as he attempts to defend the prize for the English. He was unfortunate on debut at Wincanton when falling as the 8/13 favourite.

His next effort came at Haydock and he took care of a five-strong field by an eight-length margin. He followed that up in early December when besting a field of eight in a prep for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in the Stanjames.com International Hurdle. The likes of Overturn, Brampopur, Menorah and Sanctuaire were all made to look ordinary after a stellar ride by Barry Geraghty.

Spirit Son is trading at a margin of around 7/1 to 8/1 for this one and you will likely only see genuine movement if he wins, or nearly wins, the Irish Champion Hurdle at the end of the month. He's boasting a similar price in that one but he's probably one to back later as his price may drift heading into Festival time.

Rock On Ruby was unlucky last time out when just falling short on Boxing Day. He's listed at around 12/1 for this one and will be looking to avenge his near defeat in the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at last year's Festival.

He's still never finished off the board and will likely deliver a quality price – definitely one to watch on the bottom end of the forecast tickets as well.

Relatively lightly-raced Zarkandar is looking competitive at the moment but he will likely need a prep race prior to Cheltenham and that could mean a drift if he fails to perform. He's regally bred and turned out by Paul Nicholls – looking to prove himself after capturing last year's JCB Triumph Hurdle.

A genuine outsider, Zarkandar could play spoiler to Willy Mullins well-backed contender as the Cheltenham Festival is now just a few weeks away.