SIZING EUROPE will defend an unbeaten record over fences at Cheltenham in 13 days, and trainer Henry De Bromhead is confident the Arkle Trophy hopeful’s jumping will give him a big shout.
The former Irish Champion Hurdle winner lost his position at the top of the Arkle ante-post betting to Captain Cee Bee, despite landing a Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas on his last start.
Captain Cee Bee did appear to be travelling the better of the two until tipping up at the last, but De Bromhead is convinced Sizing Europe’s jumping that day was a pale imitation of what it can be.
“That was nowhere near his real jumping the last day,” the Waterford trainer said yesterday. “Normally he accelerates into his fences and he accelerated into the first at Leopardstown. But after that he just jumped round. It was a case of getting from A to B, even when Andrew (Lynch) was urging him into the fences. That’s not like him.
“We had him checked out afterwards and he had some physio, but there was no standout thing. What’s encouraging, though, is the way his jumping is brilliant again now. He seems perfect again.
“He had a run in May and then had three lovely runs about six weeks apart, so four runs over fences means he has plenty experience. And he hasn’t run since Christmas because we want him nice and fresh,” he added.
De Bromhead could have up to four runners at the festival, with Sizing Australia going in the Cross Country Chase and Loosen My Load faced with a choice of the Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle or a clash with Dunguib in the Supreme.
“We’re just not sure yet about Loosen My Load. He is in great form but we’ll see about him,” the trainer said. “Changing Course (Byrne Group Plate Chase) is a possible as well, but no decision has been taken about him yet.”
The cross country king, Enda Bolger, is targeting yet another success on the first day at the festival and the Limerick trainer reports his five hopefuls on track for the trip to Prestbury Park.
“The five of them – Garde Champetre, Drombeag, Heads Onthe Ground, L’Ami and Freneys Well – are all good. There’s still a couple of weeks to go but I’m happy with them,” said Bolger.
Garde Champetre repeated his 2008 triumph in last year’s Cross Country event as he led home a Bolger clean-sweep, finishing ahead of L’Ami and Drombeag.
Jessica Harrington could have up to five runners at the festival, but rates Chasing Cars her best chance in the Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle.
“We were delighted with his last win at Fairyhouse and it was good to see him come back after a disappointing run at Navan.
“I’m keen on him and he’s probably my best chance at the festival,” she said. No One Tells Me definitely runs in the mares race, and Zarinava might take her chance as well if the ground is good to soft at worst. If it is genuine good ground, then even better.”
“Chasing Cars will probably go for the Jewson, and Bostons Angel might go for the three-mile novice race (Albert Bartlett).”
