Istabraq drifts in betting

Punter concern over the manner of Istabraq`s reappearance victory at Leopardstown has led to William Hill easing the three-times Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner in their betting on this year`s renewal.

Aidan O`Brien`s 10-year-old is now a 13-8 chance (from 6-4) for an historic fourth victory at Cheltenham in March. Confidence in Aidan O'Brien's star on this side of the Irish Sea hasn't waned to that extent, with Paddy Power offering 11-8.

Although connections declared themselves satisfied with Istabraq`s narrow head defeat of the unconsidered Bust Out in the Tote December Festival Hurdle at the end of last month, not all onlookers were that impressed.

Istabraq`s bid for a fourth consecutive title was dashed last year when the Cheltenham Festival fell victim to the foot and mouth outbreak.

He also uncharacteristically came to grief in two of his three outings. One of the main threats to O`Brien`s star in March looks like being the Martin Pipe-trained Valiramix.

The five-year-old was most impressive when slamming The French Furze by nine lengths without coming off the bridle in the Bula Hurdle at Newbury on his only start this season.

He is now reportedly the 'worst result by a long way' in the ante-post book of William Hill and is a 7-2 chance from 4-1, having been backed from 40-1 since November.

Hughie Morrison`s progressive Marble Arch, winner of the valuable Ladbroke Hurdle, is also creeping up the ranks and is now 20-1 from 25-1.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle, William Hill betting: 13-8 Istabraq (from 6-4), 7-2 Valiramix (from 4), 5-1 Landing Light, 16-1 Arctic Owl, Bilboa, Jair du Cochet, Ned Kelly, 20-1 Azertyuiop, Marble Arch (from 25), 25-1 Ansar, Hors La Loi III, Westender, 33-1 Bust Out, Grimes, Regal Exit, 40-1 bar.