De Bromhead hopes his luck is in

All Henry De Bromhead asks for now is "luck in running" for Sizing Europe as his stable star bids to justify favouritism in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The six-year-old has been a strong market leader since his emphatic victory in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January.

He had earlier advertised his claims with a four-length call over Osana in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on very soft ground in November.

"He travelled over on Saturday and he´s bouncing," said De Bromhead.

"It rained on Sunday night and was very windy, but it has calmed down now and we are getting a few showers.

"He won the Greatwood on very soft ground, but I´d say he just wants nice jumping ground. That´s ideal for him.

"It looked nice ground this morning but possibly on the easy side.

"I thought he was amazing in the AIG. He seems in good form and the horses are running well at home."

Despite Sizing Europe´s lofty position in the betting, De Bromhead is under no illusions about the size of the task.

"All the field are dangers. It´s a Champion Hurdle, they are all very good horses and you could make a case for nearly all of them," he went on.

"I just hope we get a bit of luck in running. That would be great."

Noel Meade is concerned any more rain could make the ground unsuitable for Harchibald.

"I´m very worried about the ground. There´s been a lot of rain and I´m worried it might get very soft," he said.

Harchibald, just pipped by Hardy Eustace three years ago, warmed up for another assault on the treasured prize with victory on the Flat at Dundalk recently.

"He´s in great shape and I think he´s as good as he was before," added the Navan trainer.