Paul Nicholls has insisted that Zarkandar has the ability to beat favourite Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
The six-year-old has won each of his last three races, and Nicholls believes that he can continue his strong form at the Cheltenham Festival next week.
"He's not a flashy sort, but he just loves to get to the front and he absolutely loves to gallop up the Cheltenham Hill," Nicholls told The Stable View Blog. "He is our own little Hurricane Fly.
"Zarkandar has a great chance [in the Champion Hurdle]. There isn't a lot between Hurricane Fly, Zarkandar, Rock On Ruby and Grandouet. He's certainly a contender.
"It'll best suit him if the ground is on the slow side, but he has done nothing wrong and should run a good race."
Ladbrokes currently offer the best price, 5-1, on Zarkandar to win the Champion Hurdle.
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