Nine stand ground against Istabraq Istabraq heads 10 possibles for the Tote December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29th.The triple champion hurdler is due to make his eagerly awaited reappearance in the Christmas showpiece.He holds an alternative engagement in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day but the plan is to run in the Dublin race rather than travel over the water.Trainer Aidan O`Brien said today: 'He had a nice canter this morning. He seems well and the plan is to go to Leopardstown. He did pop a few hurdles with Charlie up and that went of fine.'Istabraq has won the Festival Hurdle three times in the past but not last year.The 2000 renewal was run in diabolical conditions and Istabraq, who was reported beforehand to be in need of the race, looked booked for second place when falling at the final flight.Cork bookmaking firm Cashmans have installed Istabraq as 1-4 favourite for the Grade Two Leopardstown race.Cashmans betting: 1-4 Istabraq, 9-2 Liss A Paoraigh, 14-1 Penny Rich, 20-1 Bust Out, Rostropovich, 66-1 Aerleon Pete.
