Sizing Europe takes seventh Grade One win of his career
Sizing Europe continued his majestic work at the highest level of the sport, and secured his seventh Grade One victory by putting up a striking performance in the Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on Thursday, December 27th.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained was left with only four rivals to beat, as Blazing Tempo could not participate due to injury. Things looked very tricky for the 1-3 favourite in the beginning, when Rubi Light took a handy but disputed lead.
Sizing Europe was side by side though. After an early close competition with Robert Alan Hennessy’s charge, the 10-year-old pumped up his speed, and looked very keen in the initial stages.
In the hands of A. E. Lynch, the Mrs Angela Bracken-bred travelled quite nicely to get his head in front. He was in total command approaching straight. Rubi Light, under Davy Russell, kept disturbing him throughout, but Sizing Europe retained his advantage
despite plenty of pressure.
With the help of a fascinating effort, he captured the first position by two and a half lengths. There were slight changes seen in the betting circuit after Sizing Europe’s terrific win.
Most of the bookmakers kept him as a general 7-1 chance, but Ladbrokes did show some respect, and cut him down to 4-1 (from 5) for the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Owned by Ann & Alan Potts Partnership, the son of Pistolet Bleu was under consideration for Kempton’s William Hill King George VI, but the trainer looked pleased with his choice.
He said after the race: "I'm so happy we weren't in Kempton yesterday [Wednesday] for the King George as that was a complete slog. I don't think any Grade 1 is a soft option and Rubi Light put it up to us. I'm delighted that we got the job done."
Taking about the potential targets, de Bromhead added: "I'd love to have another go at three miles on better ground. We might go to the Red Mills at Gowran Park next. He'll be entered in the three races at Cheltenham [Champion Chase, Ryanair and Gold Cup]
and I won't be ruling any of them out."
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