French Holly Is "absolutely bombing" in his preparation for a clash with Istabraq in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday week, his trainer Ferdy Murphy reports.

The Middleham-trained eight-year-old, rated the most likely challenger to dethrone Aidan O'Brien's Champion Hurdler come the Cheltenham Festival in March, is quoted 7 to 1 second favourite by William Hill, who list Istabraq at even money.

Murphy said of the towering gelding, on whom Adrian Maguire will step in for injured regular rider Andrew Thornton: "He's absolutely bombing. He is out in the field at the moment, has just done a bit of work this morning and he will just do a couple of bits before he goes over to Leopardstown."

The trainer added that French Holly is likely to travel over by boat.