Sublimity to go straight to Champion Hurdle after being ruled out of AIG
Trainer John Carr made the decision after a representative of his yard walked the course on his behalf.
“We’re not going to run on Sunday,” revealed Carr.
“The plan was the Boylesports, the AIG and the Champion, but the ground’s too heavy everywhere.
“There’s only six weeks until the Champion Hurdle after Sunday’s race. We didn’t want to bottom him out and give him a hard race.
“I’ve spoken to the owners and we’ve decided against the AIG.
“It’s straight to Cheltenham now. He’s actually more forward and fitter than he was this time last year.
“He only had his first run this week last year at Navan. We’re happy enough with him.
“Everything, touch-wood, is fine. If nothing goes wrong with him in the meantime we’re well ahead of schedule, fitness-wise.”
Sublimity, who was fourth to Osana on his reappearance last month, is favourite at around 4-1 to defend his Cheltenham crown on March 11.
Hardy Eustace is pleasing connections ahead of his bid to land back-to-back victories in the Grade One at the weekend.
The dual Champion Hurdle hero made it third-time lucky at the Dublin track 12 months ago with a three-length call over Brave Inca.
The 11-year-old has shown he still retains plenty of ability.
After being campaigned over further, he only went down by a neck to Al Eile in the December Festival Hurdle back over this course and distance on his latest outing.
“He’s very good. He worked well this morning. He’s fine and ready for it,” said trainer Dessie Hughes.
William Hill have revised their betting following the news that Sublimity is set to bypass the race on Sunday.
John Carr’s charge was a 9-2 shot for the race prior to his withdrawal.
The bookmakers now make Greatwood Handicap Hurdle winner Sizing Europe their 5-2 favourite.
AIG Europe Champion Hurdle, William Hill Bet: 5-2 Sizing Europe, 3-1 Aitmatov, 7-2 Al Eile, 9-2 Hardy Eustace, 9-1 Lounaos, 12-1 Ebaziyan, 16-1 Silent Oscar.
