Meade Sweet On Aitmatov Chances Aitmatov will be Noel Meade's sole entry in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.The County Meath handle also had the option of running Harchibald and Jazz Messenger but elected to go to war with the Hatton's Grace Hurdle winner.He said: 'The plan is to run Aitmatov and whatever happens on Sunday, the plan is to go for the Champion Hurdle.'While he has won on testing ground we think he's a better horse on better ground.'But he did a nice piece of work last week and I'm very happy with him.'I wouldn't be keen to run Harchibald on heavy ground again so he'll bypass Sunday and it's possible both he and Jazz Messenger could run against each other in a conditions race at Dundalk on February 29.'That would be their prep-race for Cheltenham and if they didn't run, they would work there (Dundalk) beforehand,' Meade told the Racing Post.(C) PA Sport
