Eustace Waits For AIG

Hardy Eustace will bypass the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29 as connections favour a crack at the AIG Champion Hurdle the following month.

Dessie Hughes reports his stable star to be in fine fettle after his recent exploits behind Detroit City in the boylesports.com International but is currently giving the nine-year-old a short break.

Regarding the Festival Hurdle, which has attracted a strong entry, Hughes said: 'He won't be going for that and I'll be scratching him out at the forfeit stage as we'll keep him for the AIG at the end of January.

'He's fine and he hasn't done much since Cheltenham. He's just having a break at the moment.'

Hughes was thrilled with his rallying second to the Philip Hobbs-trained grey at Prestbury Park, and while he admits he has been impressed by last season's Triumph hero, he also feels Hardy Eustace will be a tough nut to crack come March.

'It was a very good run and we've been very happy with him this year,' opined the County Kildare handler.

'The grey horse (Detroit City) has impressed but I think the swing of 4lbs on better ground in March means we'll have a chance of beating him.

'He looks the one that stands out anyway but we'll have to contend with the Irish ones after that.'

Hardy Eustace is a best-priced 11-1 with Coral to land his third Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, while Detroit City is the 7-2 favourite with the same firm.

(C) PA Sport