Davenport Milenium will definitely run in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday, trainer Willie Mullins confirmed today, writes Alan Magee.
The trainer sprang a surprise on Wednesday when indicating he was seriously considering the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham for his seven-year-old because he was so well-in at the ratings.
But after talking it over with the owner, Mullins said: `We`re going to Leopardstown. It`s the Irish Champion Hurdle, and we thought we`d take our chance. It probably looks an easier contest across the water, but not having to travel was another consideration.`
Davenport Milenium is sure to be among the leading fancies for the AIG Champion Hurdle following the defection of ante-post favourite Intersky Falcon, to whom he finished third in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on his seasonal reappearance.
Stable companion Scolardy, absent with a tendon injury since winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, is also likely to line up at Leopardstown, though Mullins has warned he will need the race.
Revised betting:
Cashmans: 2/1 Limestone Lad, Like-A-Butterfly, 11/4 Davenport Milenium, 7 Scottish Memories, 14 Stage Affair, 16 Scolardy, 50 Turtleback.
Paddy Power: 7/4 Like-A-Butterfly, 2 Davenport Milenium, 11/4 Limestone Lad, 11/2 Scottish Memories, 16 Stage Affair, 20 Scolardy, 40 Turtleback.
