Countrywide Flame could be given the stern test of taking on Hurricane Fly in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29.

Trainer John Quinn knows it would be difficult taking on Willie Mullins' 2011 Champion Hurdle hero on his home turf, but admits the pair have to clash at some stage.

He could run Countrywide Flame in the William Hill Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day instead, but feels the course at Leopardstown would suit his horse better than Kempton.

Countrywide Flame, winner of the JCB Triumph Hurdle last term, showed he could be a serious contender for Champion honours at Cheltenham in March when winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in impressive fashion on his seasonal debut at Newcastle.

"He's in good fettle. He'll be entered in the Christmas Hurdle and he's in the Istabraq Hurdle. He'll run in one or the other," said Quinn.

"He likes galloping tracks so I suppose Leopardstown would be more his cup of tea than Kempton, but if we go to Ireland we have to take on Hurricane Fly. We have to take him on some time."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests