Nicholls delighted to have Star on track
“He’s as fit as he was when he went to Haydock last year and I’m very happy with him,” said trainer Paul Nicholls.
“He’s worked nicely and there’s no Imperial Commander to take on this weekend. It’s a great place to start him.
“Kempton is a big goal, but Clive (Smith, owner) has always wanted to run him in a handicap.
“Two years ago he went to Down Royal, had a race at Haydock when he fell and then still won the King George.
“He could run at Down Royal, in the Hennessy and King George and then we’d keep him fresh for Cheltenham.
“That would only be four runs in a season. The horses aren’t getting any younger and people like to see them. If we thought he was right and healthy the Hennessy is a possibility, but we haven’t said any more than that.”
Smith added: “It was quite an experience when we went to Down Royal a couple of years ago and it will be another big thrill.
“We’re hopeful of a good run. As long as he goes through the race well we’d be very willing to have go (at the Hennessy).
“This season is probably the last real season when he’s at the top of the game and why not have another run in between (before going for the King George).
“I’d always liked to have seen him put up against these good handicappers so why not go for it?
“He won’t have another run between the King George and the Gold Cup, is all goes well, so we’ll know more about him on Saturday.”
Henry De Bromhead hopes to find out what the rest of the season holds for Sizing Europe after today’s big race.
“He’s in great form. We want to find out now if he stays three miles and see how he gets on over the trip,” he said.
“Kauto Star is coming over but this is a race that suits our programme so we are taking him on. We’ll see where we are after tomorrow.”
Laurence Butler reports Trafford Lad to be in good form as the classy chaser has his first race since finishing third to Tranquil Sea and Joncol over a year ago.
“He’s been off since the October 31 last year. We had a setback with him but he’s in good form,” said the Co Kilkenny permit holder.
“We’re more than happy with him. It’ll be nice to see him back on the track, it’s good race and he’s going to improve from the run.
“I just hope he runs well and comes home safe and sound. He’s as ready as we can have him, but without having a run.
“He’s working well and jumping well. He scoped perfect this morning so we’ll just take it one day at a time with him and see how he comes out of the race.”
Michael Hourigan is just hoping Mossbank comes back in one piece when he returns to the fray after 927 days off the track.
The Co Limerick trainer has had the 2007 Lexus Chase and 2008 Ryanair Chase second ready to run for a while, but has taken him out of a couple of intended engagements because the ground has not been suitable.
“We’re just hoping he comes back safe and sound. He hasn’t run for over 900 days so it’s a big ask,” said Hourigan.
“I’m happy enough with the ground tomorrow. It’s a long time since he ran so he’s bound to be rusty.”
