Sublimity heads eight entries for the AIG Europe Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday afternoon but it is the Greatwood Hurdle winner Sizing Europe that fronts Blue Square’s betting at 3/1, with the current Champion Hurdler next in the market at 7/2.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge was an impressive winner in handicap company last time out but makes his first foray in Grade One company this weekend and his prominence in the betting for the Cheltenham showpiece in just under two months time suggests that a big run is expected.
‘Osana’s victory in the Boylesports International just before Christmas paid a handsome compliment to Sizing Europe and with only nine runs under his belt, it is clear that Henry de Bromhead’s horse has a bright future ahead of him,’ said Blue Square spokesman George Primarolo.
‘However, he was firmly put in his place in graded company as a novice so he will have to prove his Greatwood Hurdle performance was no fluke up against the current champion Sublimity.’
Elsewhere, Opera Mundi has come in for some good support in Saturday’s Skybet Chase at Doncaster and Blue Square have cut Paul Nicholls’ gelding into 4/1 (from 5s).
AIG Europe Irish Champion Hurdle – Blue Square bet: 3 Sizing Europe, 7/2 Sublimity, 4 Al Eile, 9/2 Hardy Eustace, Aitmatov, 11 Ebaziyan, 12 Lounaos, 16 Silent Oscar ¼ 1-2 (Ante-post bets paid out ¼ 1-2-3 if all eight line up)
Skybet Chase – Blue Square bet: 4 (from 5) Opera Mundi, 9 Yardbird, 10 Alderburn, 12 New Little Bric, Rambling Minster, An Accordian, Bagan, 14 Ungaro, Dream Alliance, Model Son, Standin Obligation, 16 Brooklyn Brownie, Dusky Warbler, Bob Hall, Ma Yahab, Limited Edition, Maljimar, Lidjo de Rouge, 20 bar.
