RACING:DURING A fluctuating career at the top level, Sizing Europe has sometimes never convinced everybody but the exalted status he now occupies can be estimated by the company he's keeping on the run-up to Cheltenham 2012.
The reigning two-mile champion chaser routed 2010 title holder Big Zeb to the tune of 15 lengths at Punchestown yesterday in a performance that emphasised the stranglehold he exerts on the Queen Mother crown.
After that Boylesports Tied Cottage victory, Sizing Europe is just a shade of odds against to become the first Irish horse since Hilly Way (1978-79) to win back-to-back Champion Chases.
Perhaps just as interesting is that Sizing Europe was so impressive yesterday that some bookmakers are going only 16 to 1 about the four Cheltenham championship holders – Hurricane Fly, Long Run, Big Bucks and Sizing Europe – retaining their titles next month.
That’s the most elite company in National Hunt racing and Sizing Europe’s performance yesterday proved he fits right in.
Andrew Lynch quickly let him stride on from Big Zeb and Sizing Europe overcame his dislike of heavy conditions with such aplomb that Lynch believes the horse could be getting even better.
“He’s feeling stronger so he’s able to handle that kind of ground better. That’s his first run since the Tingle Creek so you would think he will improve,” the jockey said.
Trainer Henry De Bromhead described the performance as “savage” but was wary of taking the 15-length margin over Big Zeb too literally. “They are usually so close so I’m sure things will be a hell of a lot closer at Cheltenham,” he said.
“I’d say that’s as impressive he’s ever looked on that ground. He was amazing today. He was like a five-year-old before the race, so full of himself. But Robbie (Power) sat up on Big Zeb when he realised he was beaten so it was probably exaggerated.”
Big Zeb’s own Champion Chase odds doubled on the back of yesterday but Colm Murphy pinpointed ground conditions as crucial. “It is horrible ground and he never travelled and never jumped. I’m disappointed, but it’s not a surprise,” he said.
“Henry’s horse was very good and went a proper gallop so all credit to him. But hopefully we can do better on better ground.”
Some initial 25 to 1 Cheltenham quotes were quickly snapped up after Trifolium’s nine-length rout of the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle field. The Gigginstown runner is now as low as 14 to 1 in some lists for the Supreme where the usual frantic festival pace will suit him.
“He’s starting to settle better and once he learns to settle properly he could be very good,” said Trifolium’s trainer Charles Byrnes. “Like most horses he’d prefer better ground and we’ll probably head for the Supreme.”
The danger of taking very short odds was perfectly illustrated in the opening maiden hurdle where the 1 to 5 favourite Allure Of Illusion was lucky to get a share of the spoils after dead-heated with King Vuvuzela in a thrilling finish.
“I didn’t expect to beat Allure Of Illusion but he is out of a sister to Comply Or Die so we know he stays well,” said King Vuvuzela’s trainer Paul Nolan. “He should improve for better ground we’ll put him in the good novice races.”
Willie Mullins felt Allure Of Illusion made hard work of the ground conditions, a comment that also applied to his 4 to 9 favourite Scotsirish who had to rousted along to beat the veteran Garde Champetre in the Cross-Country Chase. “Cheltenham is the obvious target and he is getting better at the banks all the time,” the champion trainer said. Scotsirish is now a 5 to 2 favourite for the Cheltenham Cross-Country in some lists.
