Make it Messenger
Henry de Bromhead’s charge was found to have mucus in his system when given a routine scope yesterday morning and is now likely to be prepared for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle back on this track next month.
In Sizing Europe’s absence the vote goes to Noel Meade’s Jazz Messenger, who is currently in the form of his life.
The seven-year-old beat Farmer Brown a length and a quarter at Punchestown and then stepped up to two and a half miles at Navan.
Fears he might not stay that trip proved unfounded and Jazz Messenger produced a fine display to give Sweet Kiln 7lbs and three parts of a length beating.
Meade and Paul Carberry can also combine with long-absent Nicanor in the Bewleys’ Hotel Manchester Beginners ‘Chase.
He has been off for 610 days and was last seen when taking a Grade 1 over flights at the Punchestown Festival of 2006.
Previously, the selection put up a career-best performance when beating Denman by two and a half lengths in the SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
There are positive reports regarding his current well-being and he is likely to strip fit and fancied.
And Meade can provide the bet of the day in the shape of Well Run in the opening Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
He won unextended by ten lengths at Navan a week ago and is now able to compete under a paltry 4lbs penalty.
Willie Mullins’ Jayo should prove hard to beat in the Bewleys’ Hotel Leeds Hurdle, having landed a gamble in a handicap at Fairyhouse last time.
Grangeclare Lark, a cracking campaigner last season, can land the Bewleys’ Hotel Dublin Airport EBF Mares Hurdle.
She should be cherry-ripe for this, having had a spin round on the all-weather at Dundalk.
