Henry De Bromhead's Sizing Europe heads the eight entries at the five day stage for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardsown this weekend.
'Sizing' is rated the 11-4 favourite by bookmakers William Hill.
Also among the AIG entries are the 2007 Champion Hurdler Sublimity, and the dual Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace, who won the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005.
Other notable entries include last year's Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Ebaziyan, and the recent Bewleyshotels.com Festival Hurdle winner, Al Eile.
William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny commented "It's obviously disappointing that Straw Bear and Harchibald won't be taking their chance in the race, however, it still looks like a fantastic renewal."
He added: "In the past this has been one of the best Cheltenham trials, and it would come as no surprise if the winner of the AIG went on to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham."
"Sizing Europe has been very popular with the Irish punters over the last few days, and at this stage, we'd be surprised if he didn't go off favourite for the race on Sunday"
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