Solerina to tackle Irish champion

Solerina has been confirmed on course for the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leoparstown on January 23.

The James Bowe-trained front-running mare faded to finish fourth behind Macs Joy in the Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle at the Dublin track on Wednesday, but connections have highlighted mitigating factors.

“That inner track suits some horses more than others and that is probably as good as our horse is in those conditions,” Michael Bowe told www.irish-racing.com.

“We will look at the AIG provided the race is run on an outside course. She needs space to gallop and loves tracks like Fairyhouse and Navan where she can beat the opposition out in the country.

“Wednesday’s race was always going to be against her and I knew down the back she was beaten. I know the ground was officially soft but it was a lot better than it had been on the first three days.”