Solerina on course for AIG

Connections of Solerina are hoping that the forecast rain arrives at Leopardstown to make conditions testing for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle next Sunday.

The James Bowe-trained mare needs soft ground to compete with the best over two miles, as shown on her latest start when she was only fourth to Macs Joy in the December Festival Hurdle.

“Solerina is in good form for the race next week. The forecast is for more rain so the ground should be okay,” said the trainer’s son and assistant, Michael Bowe.

That was echoed by her rider Gary Hutchinson, who told At The Races: “There’s more rain forecast during the week which is going to be a help.

“She’s entitled to take her chance on that ground and there aren’t many more opportunities for her this season.

“The trainers of horses like Accordion Etoile and Harchibald won’t want their horses having a very hard race on soft ground. They have alternative routes to go.”

The Noel Meade-trained Harchibald could miss the race if the ground is unsuitable.

“If it’s a dry week he probably will run but if the ground turned up soft or heavy he probably wouldn’t go,” said his jockey Paul Carberry.