Starluck a dark horse for the Champion

Alan Fleming believes Starluck should not be left out of the reckoning for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle following success on the Flat at Kempton on Wednesday.

Having been off the track since finishing just a short-head behind Go Native in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day, the five-year-old showed a fantastic turn of foot to land the digibet Casino Handicap over a mile.

Fleming believes that outing will leave Starluck in perfect condition for Cheltenham and hopes his charge can silence those who doubt his ability to get up the hill.

"We went to Kempton hoping he'd have a good blow and come out of it safe and sound, so to win was really a bonus," said Fleming.

"He was running a nice race and then when Liam (Keniry) gave him a slap, he really took off and has done it well.

"That should leave him spot-on for the Champion Hurdle and he's an easy horse to train so we'll just tip away with him now and keep him to his normal routine.

"People will say Cheltenham doesn't suit but he is a much stronger horse this year and has even improved a good bit since the Christmas Hurdle.

"If he does handle the track, I think he could be the dark horse for the Champion Hurdle at around 16-1."

Starluck is unlikely to be the only Festival contender for Fleming, with On Borrowed Wings and Aather both set to contest handicap hurdles.

"On Borrowed Wings is in good form and will probably go for the conditional jockeys' hurdle," the trainer added.

"Aather would be a possible for the County Hurdle if he gets in and if he got a nice weight he could run well.

"If he doesn't get in, he might go for the Imperial Cup at Sandown the weekend before."