De Bromhead Sizing up Kauto clash

Sizing Europe could clash with Kauto Star in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Despite having last week suffered an unexpected reverse to China Rock on his seasonal debut at Punchestown, trainer Henry de Bromhead insists the Arkle winner will improve immeasurably for the outing.

The eight-year-old could now be on a collision course with Paul Nicholls’ brilliant chaser on

November 6.

“His jumping was a little bit rusty, but that will improve as we go on,” the Co Waterford handler told his website, www.henrydebromheadracing.com.

“He should come on a lot for the run in terms of fitness, so I’m happy.

“The race itself didn’t confirm whether he will stay three miles or not and, as such, we’ll now have a look at the Down Royal race where we should learn more.”

Loosen My Load, meanwhile, is poised to run in a Grade Two novices’ chase at the Open meeting at Cheltenham in November.

De Bromhead’s six-year-old maintained his unbeaten record over fences at Punchestown last week.