Un De Sceaux was a surprise star name in Sandown entry
Un De Sceaux was a surprise star name amongst entries for Saturday's Betfred "Double Delight" Contenders Hurdle.
Last Updated: 28/01/14 2:59pm
The six-year-old has earned quotes of 10/1 and 12/1 for the Stan James Champion Hurdle even though his trainer Willie Mullins has a powerful entry headed by titleholder Hurricane Fly.
Un De Sceaux's jockey Ruby Walsh is unsure of running plans at this stage, but told Racing UK: "I'm not sure whether he runs or not but I haven't got great rides at Fairyhouse so I hope he does.
"He's a very exciting horse - he's four from four - (he was) very good at Punchestown last season in a maiden hurdle and then again at the (Punchestown) Festival. (This season) he's bolted in at Thurles and bolted in at Navan.
"He's just able to go a very strong gallop and sustain it through the middle of the race to the end of the race without having a breather and can sustain a seriously strong gallop."
Un De Sceaux has won all his four starts over hurdles and would be taking a step up in class in this Listed contest as one of his potential rivals is Melodic Rendezvous, around a 25/1 shot for the Champion.
Jeremy Scott's stable star got his season back on track after a below-par run in the Fighting Fifth at Cheltenham when winning the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock earlier this month.
Nicky Henderson has put in Whisper, who has an alternative entry on Saturday in the Burns Pet Nutrition Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.
The list, after the race had been re-opened until today as insufficent entries were initially received, is filled by First Avenue, Act Of Kalanisi, Clonusker, Fergall, House Party and Sonoran Sands.