Ireland today

Both Leopardstown and Limerick begin their 4-day Christmas meetings today with graded races on both cards. At the former track Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) will be all the rage for the Grade One novice chase at 15.20 CET after 3 impressive wins, Captain Cee Bee (Eddie Harty/ Mark Walsh) looks the likeliest danger. The Grade Two 3yo hurdle at 14.30 sees several of Ireland´s top juveniles at the start, 6 of the 8 runners being last-time-out winners. Alaivan (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) won in such good style on his debut that he should be able to take this step up in grade without problem. At Limerick, there could be a problem with the chasing track, which is still frozen in places, and it is possible that only the hurdles races will be run. If the race is run, Coolcashin (Michael Bowe/ Tom Doyle) should dominate the Grade Two novice chase at 15.10, while German-bred Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Ger Cotter), just touched off last time, has a chance in the hur dle race at 14.40, although Rigour Back Bob (O´Grady/ Shane Flanagan) looks a tough opponent after his easy Thurles win last time. There is still snow on the track at Down Royal, so today´s card has been postponed until tomorrow.