Istabraq left in Kempton feature Aidan O`Brien today left Istabraq in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day although the champion hurdler is highly unlikely to travel to England for his seasonal bow.O`Brien yesterday all but ruled out the Kempton option when confirming that Irish jumping`s superstar would make his reappearance at in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown three days later.Valiramix was Martin Pipe`s only entry in the Christmas Hurdle at today`s five-day declaration stage.The ex-French gelding was promoted to 11-2 second-favourite from 8-1 by William Hill for the Champion Hurdle after an easy victory at Newbury this afternoon.Francois Doumen intends to run last season`s top juvenile hurdler Bilboa in the Stg£50,000 contest, while other interesting contenders are `Fighting Fifth` Hurdle winner Landing Light from the Nicky Henderson yard, and the Paul Nicholls-trained Azertyuiop.Entries: Armaturk, Azertyuiop, Bilboa, Dibea Times, First Ballot, Hors La Loi III, Istabraq, Landing Light, Milligan and Valiramix.Champion Hurdle betting:William Hill: 5-4 Istabraq, 11-2 Valiramix (from 8), 7-1 Landing Light, 12-1 Bilboa, Westender, 14-1 Azertyuiop, Jair du Cochet, Ned Kelly, 16-1 Arctic Owl, 20-1 Ansar, 33-1 Armaturk, Brother Joe, Barton, Colonel Yeager, Dark Shell, First Ballot, Grimes, Stage Affair, Tiger Groom, 40-1 Montalcino 50-1 bar.
