Europe has it sized up
Rapidly on the upgrade, he has plenty going for him, including the fact that all ground seems to come the same to Henry de Bromhead's imposing six-year-old.
He first arrived on the scene as a possible champion in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November. Sizing Europe beat Osana (gave 6lbs) by four lengths on that occcasion. Facing into the AIG, however, he still had a huge amount to find with the likes of Hardy Eustace and Al Eile.
But he made light of such considerations, powering to an impressive eight lengths success. What made it all the more satisfying was that Sizing Europe didn't settle for much of the journey and, yet, was able to pick up in style when the need was greatest. Osana progressed from the Greatwood Hurdle to take a Grade 2 by eight lengths from Katchit at Cheltenham and has to be on the short-list.
Last year's winner Sublimity has had only one run this season, beaten over 18 lengths into fourth behind Osana at Cheltenham. If he goes and does the business again it will represent a massive training feat on the part of John Carr.
Noel Meade has done a tremendous job to nurse Harchibald back into contention and there was a lot to like about the way he battled when winning on the all-weather at Dundalk. The final hill will always be a problem and every drop of rain reduces his prospects, but it really is now or never for him.
Best outsider is Edward O'Grady's Catch Me, who came right back to his best when winning at Gowran Park last time.
Ruby Walsh's enthusiasm for Noland is infectious and the sweet-jumping seven-year-old has to get the vote in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.
Two years ago, he got up on the line to beat Straw Bear in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, after appearing to have no chance coming down the hill. His two displays over fences this campaign have been no more than adequate, at Folkestone and Sandown.
But this looks a below-par renewal of the Arkle and, if getting into a rhythm, Noland is well capable of outclassing this lot.
Ashkazar was hugely impressive when destroying a competitive field to win the Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday.
He's going to be a tough nut to crack, running unpenalised, in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle, but Tom Cooper's River Liane made a stunning Irish debut at Leopardstown and is readily preferred. He beat Made In Taipan then and that horse simply bolted in at Naas on Sunday.
2.00 Sentry Duty (e.w)
2.35 Noland (nap)
3.15 Sizing Europe
4.00 King Harald
4.40 Garde Champetre
5.20 River Liane (n.b)
