Hurricane Fly enters in Stan James Champion Hurdle

Defending champion Hurricane Fly features among a total 27 horses entered for the Stan James Champion Hurdle, highlight of the first day of the Festival at Cheltenham on March 13^th.

The Willie Mullins-trained-eight-year-old victor has not been seen since his emphatic win at the Punchestown Festival last May, but is due to reappear in the Irish Champion Hurdle next weekend.

Hurricane Fly comfortably won the Stan James Champion Hurdle in 2011 and is currently the 2/1 favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle with the race sponsor to win for a second successive year.

Ireland’s champion trainer, Willie Mullins has also entered Thousand Stars, So Young, Mikael D'Haguenet, Zaidpour, Final Approach and Flat Out.

Nicky Henderson is another with multiple entries. Spirit Son, due to have a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Thursday, 2010 champion Binocular, last year's third Oscar Whisky and the improving Grandouet comprise his strong squad.

Paul Nicholls also has a strong hand. Rock On Ruby, narrowly denied at the Festival last year, Triumph Hurdle winner Zarkandar, Greatwood scorer Brampour and the durable Celestial Halo could all represent the Ditcheat maestro.

A possible improver could be Dermot Weld's Unaccompanied, who looked impressive when beating Thousand Stars in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle.

Donald McCain has left Overturn and Peddlers Cross in the race, although the latter is more likely to stick to novice chasing.

Oscars Well, Staying Article, Olofi and long-term absentee Bobby Ewing are also engaged at this stage.

With only 55 days to go, make William Hill your destination for betting on the Cheltenham Festival 2012.