Clopf Favourite For vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle.

Champion Novice Hurdle sponsors VC Bet have today released their betting for the vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle to be run on the first day of the Punchestown festival which has seen a strong field of 21 stand their ground. Eddie O Grady's entry 'Clopf' is 5/2 favourite to win the race. Willie Mullins Cheltenham hero is Ebaziyan is 5/1 second favourite.

Victor Chandler spokesman Turlough Lally said 'Clopf has only been beaten once over hurdles and you have to expect further improvement from him. His easy victory on the flat last week leaves no doubt about his fitness'.

'However if Ebaziyan runs as well as he did in Cheltenham it would be no surprise to see him complete a Cheltenham ? Punchestown novice hurdle double'

• Clopf 5/2
• Ebaziyan 5/1
• Wins Now 11/2
• Cuan Na Grai 6/1
• De Valira 7/1
• Scotsirish 7/1
• Special Envoy 8/1
• Glencove Marina 10/1
• Hide The Evidence 10/1
• Restoration 20/1
• Rindoon 20/1
• Tipperary All Star 25/1
• Orbit O´Gold 25/1
• Mill House Girl 33/1
• Shanghide 33/1
• Holly Tree 33/1
• Bywell Beau 33/1
• Chomba Womba 50/1
• Davorin 50/1
• Jog On 66/1
• The Sliotar 66/1