Trip test for Sizing Europe
Last year’s Arkle hero makes his seasonal reappearance in the Star Best For Racing Chase at Punchestown today over two miles and seven furlongs.
A winner over two and a half miles as a novice, if he conclusively proves his stamina, Sizing Europe could take in races such as the King George at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day, so the Grade Three contest is likely to shape the rest of his season.
“We are really looking forward to seeing how he gets on over the trip,” said De Bromhead.
“Alan and Ann Potts (owners) are very keen to explore the three-mile route as the season progresses and we feel that this is the ideal starting point for him.
“He won a beginners chase over two and a half at Punchestown. I don’t know if he’ll stay, that is why we are running him to find out.
“If he doesn’t stay we can always go back and look at races like the Queen Mother
“If he gets home, the King George is a possible target. It’s fantastic to have him back and we couldn’t be any happier with him.”
Paul Gilligan has declared Powers Gold Cup winner Jadanli but will only give the eight-year-old the green light if he is happy with the ground.
“He’s very well in himself but he will only run if the ground is safe,” said Gilligan.
“He likes to get his toe in, but there’s only four runners which is why I declared him.
“Being a Grade One winner he’s too good to take a chance with.
“He’ll be running in all the big races. Hopefully the Lexus is a target. He’ll go to Down Royal for the same race as Kauto Star and then the Lexus hopefully, we’ll take in all the big Grade Ones, he’s a good horse.
“He missed two years but then again that gave him time to develop, so there’s good sides and bad sides.
“I hope the ground is safe because I would love to run him.
“I wish we had a system like in England where you can let people know your intentions at declaration time.”
Mouse Morris runs China Rock in the hope that he has an advantage over his rivals following a victory at Gowran 12 days ago.
“He’ll have a fitness edge and he’ll come on a bit from Gowran,” said Morris.
“He ran some very good races last season, he should have won the Grade One at Punchestown.
“This trip shouldn’t be a problem at all, he’s another year older and we’ll be looking at all the three-mile races this season. He wants good ground though.
“After this we’ll be looking at the James Nicholson at Down Royal and maybe the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, it’s usually good ground there and a small field.
“I hope we are able to consider those races after this, but his form last year suggests we should be able to.”
