Istabraq to square Liverpool account

The dual-Champion Hurdler Istabraq returns to the scene of his last defeat and looks set for revenge in the Martell Hurdle. It was in this race last year that Istabraq went down by a head to Pridwell and an inspired Tony McCoy at odds of 4 to 7.

This time McCoy is on the Stayers Hurdle flop Deano's Beano, but it's stretching things to think he can perform another minor miracle on cue. Nevertheless, Istabraq's owner JP McManus would relish a success today.

"It was painful last year to see Istabraq beaten, especially since I had backed him, but full marks to Pridwell," he said yesterday.

This time round the ground will be much better, and Aidan O'Brien gave an upbeat bulletin yesterday.

"He has come out of Cheltenham very well. He was heavier than ideal at Cheltenham but has trimmed down a bit since. He has got the trip before and Charlie (Swan) doesn't think it will be a problem," O'Brien said.

French Holly comes back for another crack at Istabraq, and an interesting newcomer to hurdles is the Ormonde Stakes winner Stretarez. But Istabraq should square his Liverpool account.

Tony Martin could provide more Irish joy on Grand National day when the horse he trains and rides, Extra Stout, goes in the Martell Reserves Novices Hunters Chase. A winner at Sandown, Extra Stout is no superstar, but he jumps and stays well and the form of the opposition is hardly scary.

Jeffell took the Red Rum Chase for Arthur Moore and Conor O'Dwyer 12 months ago, but with no Irish runner this time around, preference is for Flying Instructor, the mount of this season's supersub Jimmy McCarthy.

The teak-tough Celibate and the roguish Green Green Desert top the weights in this, but they have to be respected, while the ground should suit Cumbrian Challenge. But Flying Instructor could just have the edge.

Martin Pipe and Tony McCoy are a formidable combination in handicaps and their representative in the opener, Dr Jazz, should go close, while their top bumper horse Golden Alpha is difficult to oppose in the last.

Gris d'Estruval, the favourite for yesterday's John Hughes Trophy, shattered a right hind cannon bone on the flat, approaching the second-last fence and had to be put down. A decision on whether Istabraq runs in today's Martell Hurdle will be taken this morning after connections have walked the track. The dual Champion Hurdler could be taken out if trainer Aidan O'Brien feels that the ground has dried out too much. The ground is currently described as good.