‘All systems go’ for Europe

Henry de Bromhead reports Sizing Europe to be fighting fit ahead of his bid to maintain an unbeaten record over fences in the inforthenight.ie Novices' Chase at Leopardstown on December 26.

The seven-year-old was the winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle at the track in 2008 and has transferred his ability across codes with three impressive wins at Punchestown.

De Bromhead said: ‘He came out of his last race well, he looks great and it's all systems go for Leopardstown now.

‘It's a great place and a lovely track. You can get some nice ground there even in December and we're hoping for a big run.’

Willie Mullins has made seven entries in what is the feature on day one of the Foxrock venue's Christmas meeting including the 2008 Cheltenham Bumper winner Cousin Vinny.

The six-year-old has yet to jump a fence in public but Mullins plans to pitch him into Grade One company over the Festive period.

‘He has schooled and it has been so far so good with him,’ said Mullins.

‘I would hope to get a run into him somewhere before Leopardstown.’

Big Zeb, Forpadydeplasterer, Barker, and Twist Magic are all engaged at Sandown this weekend but could also line-up in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase on December 27.

This year's Cheltenham Bumper winner Dunguib tops the list of entries for the paddypowerpoker.com Future Champion Novices' Hurdle, while the Lexus Chase features Nicky Richards' Money Trix.

Leading Champion Hurdle contenders Solwhit, Go Native and Hurricane Fly feature among those engaged in the Leopardstown Golf December Festival Hurdle on the final day of the meeting, December 29.

Hurricane Fly raced just three times for Mullins last season but landed a Grade One on each occasion to propel himself to Champion Hurdle favouritism.

However, he was only third to Solwhit on his seasonal bow and Mullins has no firm plans for the French import.

He said: ‘He has been fine since the race but I don't know where he will run next.’