Europe likely to bid for Gowran Champion Chase double
Henry de Bromhead’s stable star won the race 12 months ago and the good ground at Gowran currently makes him a likely runner this weekend.
Sizing Europe lost his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in gallant fashion to Finian’s Rainbow but bounced back to win at Punchestown.
Also entered in the two-and-a-half-mile Grade Two are Mouse Morris’ duo of China Rock and First Lieutenant, Paul Nolan’s two stars Joncol and Noble Prince and the Willie Mullins-trained Blackstairmountain.
“I’m not far from Gowran and we’ve had some decent weather down here,” said De Bromhead.
“The winter jumps tracks are in good shape and as long as the ground is decent, we’ll be running I’d have thought.
“It’s more or less ground dependent whether he runs or not.
“He handles real good ground, we know that, so if there’s no more rain that won’t bother him.
“He’s had a good summer and he’s in mighty form.”
Meanwhile, owner Clive Smith believes a decision on the future of Kauto Star is likely to be made within the next couple of weeks.
The five-time King George winner and dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was pulled up with over a circuit to run in the blue riband at Prestbury Park in March, casting serious doubt over whether the 12-year-old would grace the racecourse again.
He has returned to light training after a summer break and a possible final appearance in the King George at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day has been mooted, but Smith insists there has been no firm decision either way at this stage.
“He’s fine but there’s been no decision yet,” said Smith.
“He’s just been cantering up the hill and is gradually getting fitter. If he is going to run again, then it won’t be for three months, so there is no great rush.”
Nigel Twiston-Davies reports Imperial Commander in good shape after welcoming back his 2010 Gold Cup hero into training.
The 11-year-old gelding has been sidelined by injury since being pulled up in last year’s Gold Cup, but is now back in full work.
The Betfair Chase at Haydock in late November is his intended comeback target.
“He is back in work and all is looking good at the moment,” said the Naunton handler.
Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby is back in full work after his summer break and building up to his comeback, which is likely to be in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on December 1.
The seven-year-old is now officially trained by Harry Fry, who oversaw his preparation last season from Paul Nicholls’ satellite yard.
