Hurricane 'one to beat' (From The Northern Echo)

Hurricane 'one to beat'

11:51am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Horse Racing News

PAUL NICHOLLS is under no illusions about the prospect of his big guns taking on Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle after the Irish ace’s brilliant performance on Sunday.

The Ditcheat trainer has several entries in the Cheltenham showpiece on March 13, including Zarkandar and Rock On Ruby.

But he knows they will be up against it against Willie Mullins’ superstar after his scintillating win in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

‘‘He was impressive. You can’t not be impressed. he’s done everything asked of him I know Ruby (Walsh) was pleased with him,’’ he told At The Races.

‘‘He’s the reigning champion and he’s the one to beat.’’ Last season’s Triumph Hurdle victor Zarkandar has not raced since following up his Cheltenham success at Aintree in April.

However, he warmed up for a probable return to action in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday week with a pleasing workout on Tuesday.

‘‘He had a little school and I’m very happy with him,’’ Nicholls added.

􀁧 Red Jazz and Redwood are likely to be the only representatives from the Charlie Hills stable at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night.

The five-year-old Red Jazz ran in the Godolphin Mile last year, finishing a very respectable third behind Skysurfers, and again has that race as his aim.