Istabraq looks certain to start at cramped odds on Sunday

Lambourn trainer Jim Old yesterday declared Collier Bay a "unlikely runner" in Sunday's AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. The 1996 Champion Hurdler was the only English-trained horse left in the race yesterday, but Old said: "He is entered at Haydock on Saturday and if that is called off the Agfa Hurdle at Sandown is an alternative. Collier Bay would be the only horse travelling to Leopardstown and the costs would be prohibitive."

Istabraq has been made the 2 to 5 favourite by Cashmans for Sunday's race, for which nine still remain.

Last year's winner Cockney Lad will be ridden by Paul Carberry, and his trainer Noel Meade said: "I wouldn't think he'd have much chance of beating Istabraq, but you never know. Istabraq might have an off day."

Meade, however, will saddle the likely favourite, Dardjini, in Sunday's main supporting race, the Baileys Arkle Cup, and Richard Dunwoody will ride the giant gelding, who heads some bookmakers' lists for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

The Dunwoody booking for Dardjini is because Meade hopes to also run Hill Society in that Cheltenham race, where Paul Carberry will ride. Hill Society's next race will come against Florida Pearl in the PJ Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown next month.

Meanwhile, Suny Bay was yesterday made favourite to land his second Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup of the season.

The grey was successful in the Hennessy - a handicap chase - at Newbury in November and has been installed 5 to 2 market leader by Cashmans for the Grade One event of the same name at Leopardstown on February 8th.

He will be bidding to atone for a poor effort last time out when joint favourite for the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton at Christmas Other British entries include Addington Boy (10-1), One Man (14-1), Go Ballistic (25-1) and Hermes Harvest (40-1).

The 1996 winner Imperial Call has been made 3 to 1 second favourite, with Dorans Pride 7 to 2 and Danoli, who gained an emotional victory 12 months ago but has run only twice since, offered at 8 to 1.