Sizing Europe can build on promising start
Henry de Bromhead's one-time Champion Hurdle favourite never quite reached the top at that game, but remains an exciting talent all the same.
He had his attentions turned to fences on this track back in May and could hardly have made a better start.
Although a trifle uneasy in the market and on very testing ground, he jumped for fun before coasting home four and a half lengths clear of Tinakellylad.
It was a moderate contest but, nevertheless, represented a solid opening salvo and, hopefully, the imposing seven-year-old will now build on that.
Serpentaria, having a first outing for Gordon Elliott, is the nap choice in the Listed Grabel Hurdle.
She developed into a particularly useful sort when in the care of Willie Mullins, producing a series of smart efforts, and was almost certainly over the top on her final outing of last season when seventh behind Voler La Vedette, who renews rivalry, at the Punchestown Festival in May.
Noel Meade's Donnas Palm will be hard to beat in the Ryans' Cleaning Events Specialists Hurdle.
A bit in-and-out over flights last campaign, Donnas Palm showed he is currently in good shape when coming from off the pace to ultimately score with plenty in hand on the flat at Navan last week.
Only six are set to face the starter in the Grade 3 Star Best For Racing Coverage Chase, but it is a tricky heat.
The nod falls on Kerry National third, Royal County Star, who will have a big fitness advantage on four of his five rivals.
Some Present, runner-up behind Dunguib at the Cheltanham Festival, is fancied to make a winning debut over jumps in the Buy Your 2010 Annual Badge Maiden Hurdle.
