Zoom in on Zeb
The first four home in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Prestbury Park renew rivalry and a terrific contest is in prospect.
Sizing Europe was hugely impressive that day, beating Big Zeb by five lengths with Captain Cee Bee in third and Golden Silver fourth.
Henry de Bromhead’s imposing charge was positively brilliant, bounding clear from the last and, if in the same frame of mind now, then there can only be one result.
But he is not the most reliable horse in the world and was very disappointing behind Golden Silver in this race a year ago.
In contrast Big Zeb rarely runs below-par, will love the ground and simply represents a safer proposition.
Golden Silver is always at his best on home soil and has a victory over Big Zeb to his credit on this track, while Captain Cee Bee is more than capable of springing a mild surprise.
The Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle can fall to the mare Oilily, who will strip a particularly fresh horse.
She hadn’t run since early November when contesting a Grade 2 hurdle at Aintree last month.
The eight-year-old was a little unlucky to be beaten three parts of a length by Topolski, battling on in really good style from the final flight.
She was runner-up to Hidden Universe in the champion bumper here a year ago, beaten two lengths, and now renews rivalry on 10lbs better terms.
Willie Mullins’ Quel Esprit can finally get his act together in the Growise Champion Novice Chase.
He made an excellent start over fences at Limerick, but then hit the deck in his next two outings.
Quel Esprit fell two out in the Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown and was in front when departing at the third last in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
