Europe heads AIG market
Just eight horses remain in the Grade 1, following high-profile defections such as Straw Bear, Harchibald and Jazz Messenger.
Paddy Power bet: 5-2 Sizing Europe, 3-1 Al Eile, 7-2 Sublimity, 4-1 Aitmatov, 9-2 Hardy Eustace, 8-1 Lounaos, 14-1 Ebaziyan, 20-1 Silent Oscar.
Cashmans are tighter with the market-leader, offering just 2-1. After that it’s 4-1 Al Eile, 9-2 Aitmatov, 6-1 Hardy Eustace, 8-1 Lounaos, 10-1 Ebaziyan, 25-1 Silent Oscar. The firm have Sublimity at 5-2 with a run.
Sizing Europe hasn’t been since landing the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham back in November, beating the subsequent winner, Osana, by four lengths. The six-year-old was then set to contest the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown at Christmas, but a routine scope the previous day was less than satisfactory and he had to miss the race.
Trainer, Henry de Bromhead, however, is more than pleased with his well-being now. “The horse is in great form,” he said. “He worked really well last Friday morning and is bouncing right now.”
The Waterford handler, however, has yet to finalise riding arrangements. Explained de Bromhead: “We had agreed with Denis O’Regan that he would ride on Sunday and also in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
“But he is now suspended and after that we looked to Timmy Murphy and Ruby Walsh. Timmy has ridden him a winner (at Cheltenham), but is committed to Al Eile.
“I mentioned it to Ruby, but Willie Mullins has left in Ebaziyan, so Ruby will probably have to ride him.
“I will talk to Alan Potts (owner), before making a decision. I have a couple of guys in mind, but know who I want.”
Al Eile, who won the Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown in fine style from Hardy Eustace, is also on schedule for Sunday.
Trainer, John Queally, reported: “The intention is to run, although we’ll be keeping a close eye on the weather and, obviously, would like a few fine days. He seems well after his last run.”
Al Eile has never been at his best at Cheltenham in the past and regarding a possible tilt at the Champion Hurdle, Queally remarked: “Let’s get through Sunday first. Cheltenham is a whole different scenario and ball-game.”
The participation of Champion Hurdler Sublimity is in some doubt with John Carr somewhat reluctant to subject him to a hard race in conditions which are certain to be very testing.
Paul Carberry will team up with Aitmatov, Conor O’Dwyer will be aboard Hardy Eustace and Barry Geraghty rides Lounaos.
Ten have been left in the other Grade 1 on the programme, the Bailey’s Arkle Cup. They are Charlie Yardbird, Drunken Disorderly, Gardasee, Lenrey, Pedrobob, Scotsirish, Secretsofshambhala, Thyne Again, Savitha, and J’y Vole.
As expected, the exciting Glencove Marina was taken out of the race and waits for the Dr PJ Moriarty Chase back at Leopardstown on February 10.
The Woodlands Park Novice Chase has, of course, been re-routed from last Saturday’s abandoned Naas meeting and will form part of an eight-race card at Leopardstown.
It has been slotted in as the second contest on the card and among the entries are Big Zeb, Callherwhatulike, J'y Vole, Notre Pere and Pomme Tiepy.
Meanwhile, Horse Racing Ireland yesterday announced five additional National Hunt fixtures to replace meetings lost to the weather of late. They are Punchestown, Tuesday Feb.19; Naas, Tuesday March 18; Fairyhouse, Tuesday April 8; Limerick, Tuesday April 15 and Cork, Saturday April 19.
