Sizing Europe to see where he stands in the Cottage Chase
Sizing Europe is set to test his credentials in Sunday’s Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase before the Cheltenham Festival.
In the Grade 2 event at Punchestown, the black gelding will compete against Big Zeb and Imperial Shabra on a 2 mile long flat track.
Though each of Sizing Europe’s two rivals possesses immense talent, and vast experience but trainer, Henry De Bromhead, is hopeful of his big run this weekend.
Bromhead claims that his horse’s performance in the Cottage Chase will be a stepping stone towards the high-profile contests at Cheltenham in March.
While speaking to the media yesterday, the trainer said, “We'll be focusing on Cheltenham and this is a stepping stone towards that. Obviously you want to try to win every race you contest. There's not much between our horse
and Big Zeb - just 1lb difference in the ratings. They are two high-class horses and we're certainly lucky to have our fellow.”
Owned by Ann & Alan Potts Partnership, the ten-year-old horse won 13 out of his 28 outings so far. His victories include 1 NHF, 4 Hurdle and 8 Chase races.
Sizing Europe marvelously finished first in his last race on 11 December. Before this, he achieved a magnificent victory in October.
The dashing horse is likely to capitalise on his recent victories, and deliver an outstanding performance in tomorrow’s contest. If he manages to win this race, he will have a good run in the Cheltenham Festival.
All the three horses are ready for the Sunday’s clash, but the course clerks are not yet sure of the venue’s availability. Due to constantly decreasing temperature across Europe, the Punchestown track seems to be somewhat damped.
The venue’s racing manager, Richie Galway, told, “The covers are down and have been since Tuesday. It's a labour intensive initiative but if it is the difference between racing going ahead or being abandoned.”
The race will start at 2:55. Big Zeb is the 4 to 5 favourite while Sizing Europe is the second favourite with 11 to 8 starting prize.
Thus, there is going to be a rip-roaring clash among the trio. Success in this event matters a lot for every runner.
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