THE ARKLE Chase favourite, Sizing Europe, will return to the scene of his greatest triumph when he lines up in the St Stephen’s Day feature at Leopardstown later in the month.

Henry De Bromhead’s stable star, winner of the 2008 Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, is among the entries for the newly titled inforthenight.ie Novice Chase, formerly the Durkan, which is sponsored by Bord Na Móna for the first time.

“He is in great form and came out of his last race at Punchestown really well,” De Bromhead said yesterday.

“It’s all systems go for Leopardstown. It’s a lovely track and you can get some nice ground there, even in December.”

Sizing Europe is among a list of star names keeping their Christmas options open after declaring for the early closing races yesterday.

They also include Sports Line, hugely impressive on his chasing debut at Navan, who is one of seven Willie Mullins-trained hopefuls for the St Stephen’s Day Grade One highlight.

The champion trainer is also targeting the major hurdle pot, the December Festival Hurdle on the fourth day, with Hurricane Fly, while Pomme Tiepy is among the favourites for the valuable Paddy Power Chase.

Lochan Lacha has been installed a 9 to 1 favourite for the Paddy Power by the sponsors, with Pomme Tiepy next best on 10 to 1 along with the Paul Nicholls-trained Nycetos.

The British champion trainer is also keeping his options open with Twist Magic, who is among the entries for the Dial-A-Bet Chase along with the home stars, Big Zeb, winner in 2008, and Forpadydeplasterer.

PADDY POWER CHASE BETTING:9 Lochan Lacha, 10 Pomme Tiepy and Nycetos, 12 Askthemaster and Orpheus Valley, 14 bar.