Sizing Europe on course to defend two-mile crown after dismissing Big Zeb

SIZING Europe proved himself on course for the defence of his two-mile crown at Cheltenham next month when slamming arch-rival Big Zeb in the Grade 2 Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

Sent to the front at the second by Andrew Lynch, Sizing Europe had Big Zeb beaten after the second last fence and stayed on strongly to triumph by fifteen lengths with no-hoper Imperial Shabra fifty-seven lengths away last of the three runners.

Sizing Europe jumped fluently, with the exception of the sixth, and is now a best-priced 6/4 favourite (from 2) with Ladbrokes to win a second Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on March 14. Both Boylsports and Stan James offer 5/4 while Paddy Power go only 11/10 about the ten-year-old retaining his championship title.