Thousand Stars looking to bounce back After disappointing in Italy last weekend, Thousand Stars is turned out again quickly as he lines up in the Grade Two Istabraq Hurdle at Tipperary on Sunday. The nine-time winner was in trouble from some way out at Merano and he trailed home last of the seven runners. His trainer Willie Mullins said earlier this week: "Thousand Stars just didn't appear to handle the course in Italy. It's a tight track and you're turning a lot. It's a figure of eight and he was never really happy. But he seems fine and he ate up fine the following morning. " Ruby Walsh again takes the ride on the 11-year-old grey and he faces six rivals in this two-mile contest. His biggest danger appears to be Thomas Edison, who fell at the last in the Galway Hurdle (won the race the previous year) when still in with every chance. The son of Danehill Dancer is in receipt of 6lb from Thousand Stars and is sure to prove popular with punters. Tony Martin trains Thomas Edison and is also responsible for Ted Veale, who was a good third in the Galway Hurdle. He won last time out on the level at Listowel and looks to have strong claims. Fethard Player has a course and distance win to his name and is an interesting contender taking a step up in class. Kalann is another interesting one having his first run over timber since August of 2014, while Usa and Plinth complete the line-up.
