SIZING EUROPE is on track to run in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas and is giving trainer Henry De Bromhead all the right signs about being back to his best.

Last season's outstanding AIG winner subsequently missed out on Champion Hurdle glory at Cheltenham when hurting his back with victory in his sights.

A defeat to Hardy Eustace at Punchestown on his seasonal reappearance was put down to rustiness and incorrect riding tactics, but Sizing Europe now looks to be in A1 shape for a return to the scene of his finest hour.

"He passed me a few times on the gallops this morning and each time he bucked and tried to kick me. I don't know if it's because he doesn't like me or is so well!" the Co Waterford trainer said yesterday.

"Touch wood there have been no problems with his back. It is something we have really monitored and the back doctor Ted McLoughlin has been checking him out regularly.

"In fact he is moving like a different horse this year," De Bromhead added.

Even heavy ground conditions won't prevent Sizing Europe from running at Leopardstown where he faces the challenge of tackling the former champion hurdler Brave Inca.

De Bromhead, however, doesn't believe a Champion Hurdle contender this season has stamped his authority on the race just yet.

"I was looking forward to the race on Saturday (Boylesports International) to see how the likes of Binocular would do.

"Last year he was very impressive but we would have found out a lot more about him if the race had been run. All told I don't really see a stand-out horse at present," he said.

Sizing Europe is currently a general 7 to 1 shot in ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.