Inca On Course For Christmas Clash

Brave Inca will face a maximum of six rivals in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29.

The champion hurdler, who bounced back to winning ways in gritty fashion in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle on his last start over two and a half miles, will revert back to the minimum distance.

'Everything has been fine with him, it's so far so good and all being well he will go to Leopardstown,' said trainer Colm Murphy.

'There was not a bother on him after Fairyhouse, I was delighted with how he came out of that race.

'It looked a gruelling race last time but he was idling in front. Tony (McCoy) knows him so well now that he only does enough in front and as he is only as good as the horse beside him, he's always been the same.

'I don't think we'll put any blinkers on him but it is something I might discuss with the owners and Tony. If he keeps winning though there is no need.'

Brave Inca is unlikely to face an easy task, however, as Noel Meade's Iktitaf, who lowered his colours in the Morgiana Hurdle, is also a possible, although he could yet switch to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Asian Maze, a close second in the Morgiana but disappointing in the Hatton's Grace is a possible, although she also has an entry in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle over three miles a day earlier.

Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Newmill could also continue his preparation for a repeat victory in that race with another spin over timber.

Al Eile, Jazz Messenger, a possible runner in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, and Silent Oscar complete the line-up.

Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy and Harchibald are among the notable absentees.

(C) PA Sport