John O’Riordan

3.05 BHP INSURANCES

IRISH CHAMPION

HURDLE (GRADE 1) 2M

Arctic Fire: A standing dish in top class company, Willie Mullins charge has been winning over further and looks ideally suited to a fast run two miles on better ground. While he may struggle here, he remains one very much of interest come Cheltenham in March.

Faugheen: Beaten for the first time in his career when touched off by stablemate Nichols Canyon in the Morgiana Hurdle, the reigning champion hurdler redeemed his reputation at Kempton last time. Now facing his Punchestown conqueror once more, the stage is set for a battle royal between the Mullins’ duo.

King Of The Picts: Has been chasing and looks to have it all to do here off his current hurdles mark. Would be a major surprise were he to go in here.

Nichols Canyon: Despite being placed in the Neptune and winning at Aintree, this tough battler never got the credit he deserved last season. However, a shock defeat of Faugheen at Punchestown made punters aware of his talents and he has since gone on to add to his tally. Looks certain to be involved.

Plinth: Firmly put in his place by Nichols Canyon on his last two starts it would be something of a surprise were he to turn the tables now. Looks to have it all to do.

VERDICT

Faugheen and Nichols Canyon look set to fight out what promises to be a race to savour. Slight preference is for the former, who may just have needed the run on his reappearance.