RACING: Ned Kelly's Champion Hurdle credentials yesterday received an official boost from the handicapper, who has raised the AIG winner 8lb in the ratings.
That puts the Edward O'Grady -trained runner on a mark of 159 that makes him just the third top-rated hurdler in Ireland.
Limestone Lad is rated 160 while the Champion Hurdle favourite, Istabraq, is still judged to be over a stone ahead of the young pretender on 174.
Nevertheless, the handicapper, Noel O'Brien, conceded: "The way Sunday's race worked out, Ned Kelly looks a serious contender for the Champion Hurdle."
He added: "Liss A Paoraigh didn't quite run up to her best but the form with The French Furze ties in nicely to Valiramix, and Milligan does the same with Landing Light.
"The thing with Ned Kelly was that it was slightly unknown how good he was against older horses. As a champion novice he was beating the same horses and on his first start this season he did the same against Joe Cullen and Theseus.
"The AIG was the first time he has impressed completely against his counterparts."
Ned Kelly, reported by O'Grady to be in "good form" after his weekend exertions, is as low as 11 to 2 in the Cheltenham ante-post lists that had been dominated by Istabraq and the English pair, Valiramix and Landing Light.
O'Brien said: "People have a standard in their own minds about a Champion Hurdle winner but the only standard really is what is around.
"Valiramix and Landing Light both started as handicappers but are now worthy contenders. I think you could see further improvement in Ned Kelly but there will have to be if he is to win a Champion Hurdle."
Another weekend star in good form is Moscow Flyer, who has emerged unscathed from his fifth -fence fall in the Arkle Cup. However, it is now not certain if he will run in Saturday's Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown.
His trainer Jessica Harrington said yesterday: "He seems to be fine. He ate up last night and is grand in his box this morning. He has been entered for Punchestown but whether he runs or not is a different matter. The plan is still to go to Cheltenham and everything is on track for that."
Other chasing news yesterday centred on Sackville, who is on course for his next start in the Hennessy despite a lacklustre performance over hurdles last week.
Frances Crowley reported: "The horse is fine and has been perfect since Gowran. We're aiming for the Hennessy next."
• Richard Johnson had his first taste of success since returning from injury with a double at Kempton yesterday.
Johnson returned to the saddle last Thursday, three months after breaking his right leg in a fall at Exeter but showed in landing the near 6 to 1 double on Jacklighte Bellevue and Gunther McBride that he is intent on making up for lost time.
"That's brilliant. That's just what I wanted at the start of the afternoon and it's good to be back," said Johnson.
Johnson struck in the opening contest when he delivered Jacklighte Bellevue to head Word Of Honour at the second last flight of the Mount Bell Novices' Hurdle and the 2 to 1 favourite won by 1½ quarter lengths.
