Quality not quantity is the order of the day for Leopardstown on Sunday.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Istabraq takes his place in the line up for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle. Bidding for a fourth straight success in the race, he will have to be in better form than when falling here last time.
On that occasion he was still in contention, but not certain to win, when taking the first tumble of his career. The first three from that race, Moscow Flyer, Stage Affair and Mantles Prince all renew rivalry and to add further spice to the contest Youlneverwalkalone has been re-routed from the abandoned meeting at Haydock.
Christy Roche will again have a strong say in the outcome of several races. Like-A-Butterfly which was most impressive on her debut at Naas puts her reputation on the line in the concluding Bumper. Her main opposition should come from fellow 7-Y-O Assessed. The Willie Mullins trained gelding was all the rage when winning easily at Thurles last week.
Another likely winner for the Roche yard is Billywill in the Foxrock Maiden Hurdle. He was off the track since Galway '99 when running a blinder behind Colonel Braxton and Doonaree at Naas recently. Billywill is certain to improve from the run and is expected to reverse with Doonaree over this shorter trip.
Ross Moff, a progressive staying Hurdler last season, opened his account over fences with the minimum of fuss at the Foxrock track last week and is set for a quick follow-up in the Grade2 Novice Chase. The one factor against him is the 2m1f trip. He has scored at 2m over hurdles, but his best form is over longer distances and he may lack the necessary turn of foot.
The Mouse Morris stable landed a major gamble at this meeting last year when Monifeth Man (20/1-11/1) won the Waterford Crystal Novice Hurdle. Look To The Future represents him in the 2m6f Handicap Hurdle and is one to keep a close eye on. This is his first attempt at this trip and on his best form looks particularly well treated.
