Starluck, the smart two-mile hurdler who failed to cut much ice in a disappointing campaign last season as a novice chaser, is close to returning to racecourse action ahead of a possible second bid to land the Stan James Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 13, writes Elliot Slater.

The seven-year-old was the undoubted star of trainer Alan Fleming’s string after arriving at his yard from his native Ireland where he was a useful middle-distance handicapper on the Flat. He immediately proved himself a talent over hurdles winning his first three starts before finishing a highly respectable fourth to Zaynar in the 2009 JCB Triumph Hurdle, then going one place better behind Walkon in Grade 1 company at Aintree a few weeks later. Those looking for Cheltenham Betting tips will be keeping a close eye on him.

Beaten just a short-head by Go Native in the 2009 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Starluck was a popular choice for the 2010 Champion Hurdle, but although he ran well he could only finish fifth behind Binocular. After finishing runner-up to Peddler’s Cross in last season’s Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle and then third to Binocular at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle, Fleming decided to switch to the larger obstacles mid-season, a decision that somewhat backfired following Starluck’s winning first outing as he was twice beaten by horses who had been much his inferior over timber just a few months before. Punters will be wondering if he can return triumphant at the Betfair 2012 Cheltenham meeting.

Moving recently to the care of David Arbuthnot, Starluck is reportedly in fine shape and could run in one of a number of good races in early-February, (including the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton or the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las), where if he performs well he may book himself a return trip to Cheltenham to bid again to land the biggest two-mile hurdles prize of all. He is currently a general 50/1 shot in the ante-post market for the Champion Hurdle.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Talented hurdler Starluck nearing racecourse return

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