Europe doubt after bruised foot setback
But he pulled out with a bruised foot yesterday and is far from certain to run. Trainer, Henry de Bromhead, will wait until this morning before making a final decision, so it is very much a case of wait and see.
Ironically, Sizing Europe missed this race twelve months ago, having scoped unsatisfactorily the previous day.
The strapping six-year-old produced one of the best performances seen last season when running away with the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
He then performed way below par in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but appeared right back on track at Punchestown last month when runner-up behind Hardy Eustace.
In his absence, Sublimity, who made Punjabi pull out all the stops at Wetherby, would be a token alternative.
Pomme Tiepy gets the nap to return to her best in the listed Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Hurdle.
You would have to say she was most disappointing at Cork last time, when only third behind The Bishop Looney and Part Presenting.
But Pomme Tiepy surely hasn’t deteriorated dramatically overnight and has always seemed most comfortable travelling left-handed.
Willie Mullins, whose horses are simply flying, trains Pomme Tiepy and has several other possibilities as well.
His Candy Girl, who should improve plenty for her second behind Ninetieth Minute at Fairyhouse, is a hopeful selection in the Leopardstown Golf Academy Hurdle.
Mullins’ Deutschland, who was bombing in front when falling five out at Thurles, can land the Centra Central Park Beginners Chase, while the trainer’s well-regarded Rhyl Accord is the one to beat in the Bumper and Otay Kawn, who caught the eye when third to Oscar Looby at Navan, could be the answer to the Business and Finance Maiden Hurdle.
Mouse Morris’ Tinakellylad, third behind Quiscover Fontaine at Gowran Park, gets the nod in the John Mulholland Bookmaker Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.
