Time For Rupert 3/1 favourite with sponsors for Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown

TIME FOR RUPERT heads the sponsors' betting at 3/1 for the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown later this month.

The Cheltenham Festival runner-up narrowly tops the antepost market ahead of 7/2 pair Karabak and Powerstation. Paul Nolan's Moskova is 6/1 with Souffleur installed at 7s.

The sponsors don't quote Festival winner Big Bucks who is expected to finish his season at Aintree next week, despite being entered.

David Williams of sponsors Ladbrokes said: "The Cheltenham form looks to be the strongest and we've plenty of respect for Time For Rupert who ran a massive race last month.

"The competitive shape of the market suggests we could be in for a thrilling high-class renewal."

Sponsors initial betting:

Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle:

Thursday 22 April, Punchestown Festival, 3 miles

3 Time For Rupert, 7/2 Karabak, 7/2 Powerstation, 6 Moskova, 7 Souffleur, 8 Mourad, 8 Noble Prince, 12 Oscar Dan Dan, 14 War Of Attrition, 16 bar, others on request (1/5 odds 1,2,3)