Istabraq attracts betting interest

Istabraq has been a constant drifter in the ante-post exchanges on the Smurfit Champion Hurdle in recent weeks but that may be about to change.

Aidan O`Brien`s superstar, chasing a record fourth hurdling crown at Cheltenham in March, was the subject of support with the the Tote today.

'For the first time in this season`s ante-post market we`ve seen punters begin to nibble at the price on offer,' said Tote spokesman, Jeremy Scott.

'Istabraq does not have to prove what a great horse he has been, but with question marks still lingering concerning his ability to take a fourth Champion Hurdle crown, punters have been reluctant to touch him in the betting up until now.

'After a period in which he`s done nothing but drift in the market, he now looks to have found his market price, having stabilised at 2-1, although if interest continues tomorrow we could see his price cut for the first time this season.'

Istabraq`s one run to date this season saw him run out a narrow winner from Bust Out at Leopardstown at Christmas.

He fell in two of his three starts last season when his bid for a fourth title at Cheltenham was dashed by the foot and mouth outbreak.

O`Brien has stated that Istabraq`s next race will be in the Cheltenham contest and he has duly been taken out of this weekend`s AIG (Europe) Champion Hurdle, a race he has won four times.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Tote betting: 2-1 Istabraq, 3-1 Valiramix, 4-1 Landing Light, 14-1 Brother Joe, Geos, 16-1 Bilboa, Marble Arch, Ned Kelly, 20-1 Arctic Owl, 25-1 Ansar, Rodock, 28-1 bar.