Hurricane Fly was incredibly impressive in 2010/11 and Willie Mullins’ superstar proved himself to be by far and away the best hurdler either side of the Irish Sea.  Five Grade one victories in as many races culminated with a sensational victory in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle and he looked a class apart at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

In the 2011 Champion Hurdle Hurricane Fly answered all his critics and turned in a near-faultless round of jumping.  The son of Montjeu came to the last flight swinging on the bridle before quickening and holding off Peddlers Cross under the masterful hands of Ruby Walsh.

This season’s path to Cheltenham hasn’t been quite as simple and the French import has already missed two intended races in Ireland.  A horse that can take some time to get fit, Hurricane Fly was available to back at a very generous odds over the Christmas period.  That price has now evaporated after Mullins gave a number of upbeat bulletins about the superstar but his followers will be desperate to see him line up in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the end of January.

If all goes well there then the reigning champion will defend his crown at Cheltenham and thousands of Irish punters will descend on Prestbury Park confident that he can fly their flag and secure his status as their best hurdler since the mighty Istabraq.

However, up against the Hurricane could be another ultra-talented hurdler and Spirit Son makes plenty of appeal in the ‘without Hurricane Fly’ Champion Hurdle market.

Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old is also yet to be seen this season and the last time he was on the racecourse was when he obliterated a high class field in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.  That came after two facile victories at Huntingdon and Exeter prepared him for a close second in the 2011 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.

Always highly regarded by his legendary trainer, Spirit Son was gathered in late by Paul Nicholls’ Al Ferof after hanging right to the stand’ rail in the Festival opener and the ex-French raider lost his unbeaten record in an absolute thriller.

With Al Ferof ahead of him and with Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre and the classy Cue Card chasing them home, it was a vintage renewal of the novice’s championship event and great things were expected of Spirit Son heading to Aintree.

A flawless and powerful display of jumping on Merseyside saw him hammer Cue Card by thirteen lengths and Nicholls’ Rock on Ruby by an incredible 21 lengths and he was immediately sent to the forefront of the betting for the 2012 Champion Hurdle.  An imposing sort, Spirit Son looks a chaser for the future but he undoubtedly has the pace to land a blow at the highest level hurdling first.

He too could reappear in the Irish Champion Hurdle and with Hurricane Fly known for not being at his best first time, it could be the perfect time for Spirit Son to prove what he is capable of ahead of a thrilling showdown at Cheltenham.

Nick Wilby’s advice – Back SPIRIT SON in the ‘without Hurricane Fly’ market