BRITISH RACING: Istabraq was yesterday quoted as high as 2 to 1 favourite by the Tote in Britain as he bids for a record fourth consecutive win in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained star is 13 to 8 with Corals and 6 to 4 with Ladbrokes.

The 10-year-old heads the 40 entries confimed yesterday for the race on March 12th. He is among 12 Irish-trained possibles, who also include Ned Kelly, Bust Out, Joe Cullen and Liss A Paoraigh, for the £270,000 contest on the opening day of the National Hunt Festival.

There are two French-trained entries.