RACING:IF SIZING Europe can't add to his Cheltenham triumph in this afternoon's Punchestown feature, it won't be the end of the Grade One day for his connections as Loosen My Load tackles three miles for the first time in the Growise Champion Novice Chase.
Henry De Bromhead’s young star also carries the colours of Alan and Ann Potts and looks an intriguing challenger to Quito De La Roque and Quel Esprit, as well as the last week’s Irish National runner-up Western Charmer and a pair of British challengers.
It is just nine days since Loosen My Load finished runner-up to Realt Dubh in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse and he looked destined for third until Noble Prince’s exit at the second last.
But De Bromhead has long held the hunch that a longer trip could be the key to Loosen My Load and it is significant that he gives the horse a quick reappearance here. “He’s very consistent and we just want to try him over three miles to see. It’s an idea for next year, but he only ran the other day in the Powers Gold Cup. He seems in good form but you never know until you run them,” he said yesterday.
That is a question-mark but so are the two “F’s” next to Quel Esprit’s name and despite Quito De La Roque winning at Aintree last time, ground conditions could be against the fast-improving Gigginstown stayer this time.
Michael O’Leary’s colours will be carried by three of the seven runners in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle and although Davy Russell sides with Rathlin, there could be some value in rowing along with Il Fenomeno.
A Group Three winner on the flat in his native Italy last year, Il Fenomeno debuted in Ireland last week in a Grade Two at Fairyhouse that looked to be Rathlin’s for the taking except for two poor jumps in the straight.
Il Fenomeno was less than nine lengths off the winner Prima Vista at the end and with doubts about Rathlin’s jumping when the heat comes on, Paul Carberry can nurse the unexposed over jumps, but battle hardened on the flat, ex-Italian into a winning position.
The most attractive betting proposition of the day could be in the handicap hurdle. Nearest The Pin is just out of the handicap proper, and has been penalised 13lb for winning at Fairyhouse last week. But Tony Martin’s horse won so impressively that day there will be plenty happy to stay on board.
