One of the feature events of Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, which saw the fourth clash between Hurricane Fly and Solwhit, was the Festival Hurdle.

Hurricane Fly is now the favourite for the 2011 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.  To see all the odds and to get a free £25 bet with leading betting exchange Betfair, sign up with the firm through Bettingpro.

A smart renewal of a Grade 1 hurdle which rarely attracts more than a handful of runners, the pair that fought out the finish of the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse earlier in the month filling the same positions. The pace was only fair.

HURRICANE FLY didn't tell us anything we didn't already know about him, but this impressive victory was enough to see him promoted to outright favouritism for the Champion Hurdle. He was fitted with earplugs, jumped slightly out to his right, got in close to two out but challenged on the bridle at the last and quickened clear for just a shake of the reins. It is hard to see what is going to beat him in the Irish Champion Hurdle here next month.

SOLWHIT has now finished second to Hurricane Fly on three of his last four starts and, though things didn't pan out ideally for him here, he will probably have to be kept clear of that rival if he is to add to his tally at this level. He was somewhat surprisingly ridden for a turn of foot at this shorter trip, slip-streaming the winner in third for most of the way, and was still travelling comfortably when short of room at the last, staying on well under hands and heels once in the clear to snatch second on the line.

LUSKA LAD ran right up to his very best on a rare try on a left-handed track, jumping slightly out to his right as he was allowed a relatively easy time of things up front, no match for the winner but sticking to his task in typically game fashion. The Irish Champion Hurdle is reportedly on his agenda.

THOUSAND STARS wasn't discredited in a race that wasn't run to suit, still travelling strongly in rear two out and not given a hard time after flicking through the top of the last. He improved out of all recognition after joining this yard last season, winning three handicaps, including the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, prior to finishing third in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

WON IN THE DARK isn't up to this level and didn't do himself any favours by refusing to settle in rear.