Europe hard to oppose
In a handful of days, Henry de Bromhead’s charge will be an 11-year-old, but all the recent evidence is that he is as good as he ever been.
Indeed, Sizing Europe was positively brilliant when taking a Grade 2 at Clonmel last month.
His jumping was quite superb, as he galloped relentlessly clear through the final half mile to slam Magnanimity by an unflattering 20 lengths.
Jezki, seeking a four-timer, will prove hard to beat in the other Grade 1 on the card, the Paddy Power Future Champions’ Novice Hurdle.
He was certainly impressive when beating Champagne Fever by a length and a half in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last time.
His jumping technique, however, still leaves a bit to be desired and Dermot Weld’s Waaheb could be a danger.
Waaheb was one of the best bumper horses in the country, before suffering a setback, but returned in good order at Fairyhouse in October to easily take a modest conditions Hurdle.
Weld has given him lots of time to come forward from that, but worries about Waaheb on the ground make one wide with Jezki.
Weld’s Diplomat, a tough sort off the flat, gets the nod in the Paddy Power On Your Mobile three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
At Limerick take a chance on the mud-loving Quarryvale popping up in the competitive Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase.
She jumps for fun and arrives on the back of a decent effort when fourth to Avondhu Lady at Fairyhouse earlier in the month.
