Cross ready for Leopardstown test

Golden Cross will seek to enhance his growing reputation in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Michael Halford’s seven-year-old ran Solerina to a short head at Fairyhouse in December having won a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown and a Flat event at the Curragh on his previous two starts.

Those were his first outings since finishing seventh in the 2004 Champion Hurdle and Halford will make a decision on a Festival run after this weekend’s Grade One contest.

“He’s working well and is generally in good form,” the Curragh-based handler told At The Races.

“Johnny Murtagh rides him on Sunday and depending how he runs we’ll make a decision on his Festival target after that.

“We’ve been thinking of upping him in trip but he missed his engagement as he didn’t scope 100%.

“Sunday is a good opportunity to see if he has the speed for two miles or if we need to go up to three.”