Hurricane Fly the one to beat says Nicholls

TRAINER Paul Nicholls on Tuesday said that Zarkandar has it all to do if he isto defeat last year's Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly when the pair meet at Cheltenham in March.

Zarkandar continued his preparation for his seasonal reappearance in the Betfair Hurdle on February11 when schooling on Tuesday, after which Nicholls said: "He's okay. He had a little school this morning and we're very happy with him."

Zarkandar is a general 7-2 favourite for the Betfair Hurdle and 7-1 for the Champion, but after watching Hurricane Fly, odds-on favourite for the Cheltenham race, destroy his rivals in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday, Nicholls was understandably impressed.

Speaking to At The Races, he said: "He was impressive, you can't not be impressed and I know Ruby was pleased with him. He's the reigning champ and the one to beat."

Nicholls also had news on King George hero Kauto Star, who will bid for a third Gold Cup victory in March.

He added: "He's fresh, well and looking sharp. He's just started to up his work again now and looks in great shape. His enthusiasm is incredible and we're very lucky to have him."