Hardy out of Hattons Grace as Solerina is hot favourite Champion hurdler Hardy Eustace is a notable absentee from The Ballymore Properties Hatton’s Grace leaving just six entries remaining for the 2m4f contest, one of three Grade 1 races up for decision on a quality Fairyhouse card this Sunday. Curragh trainer Dessie Hughes explained: “He did his last piece of work this morning and didn’t scope clean afterwards so we’re not running on Sunday. Hopefully it’s not that bad and won’t take too long to clear. If that’s the case he may run again at Navan on Sunday December 12 or else wait until Leopardstown at Christmas.”Solerina was installed the 11/8 favourite when Cashmans priced up the race initially but following strong support her price has shortened to Evens, with Brave Inca next best on 2/1, Rule Supreme 11/2, Sacundai 7/1, Power Elite 10/1 and Florida Coast 25/1.The Pierse Group Drinmore Chase has seven entries left with Noel Meade responsible for three of the septet namely Watson Lake, Mark The Man and Zum See. Cashmans have the trio priced together at 4/7, followed by 5/2 Forget The Past, 7/1 Tiger Cry, 10/1 Mutineer and 12/1 Gale Abated.Cheltenham Bumper winner Total Enjoyment heads the market for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 7/4, with Noel Meade´s three entries (Wild Passion, Augherskea and Rocket Ship) again grouped together at 4/1, 9/2 Major Vernon, 6/1 Master Albert, 7/1 Royal Paradise, 10/1 Justified and 20/1 Bar. New Field is quoted at 11/2 (with a run).Dick Sheil, general manager of Fairyhouse, described the going on the hurdle track as soft (yielding to soft in places) while the chase track is currently soft.He also expressed his disappointment with two of the three Grade 1 races on Sunday when saying: “We bend over backwards putting on extra meetings to accommodate trainers but I’m disappointed for the sponsors with the turnout for both the Hatton’s Grace and Drinmore Chase from what looked a very satisfactory initial entry. These two races are worth €90,000 each and it would leave you perplexed.”
