HENRY DE BROMHEAD will be hoping for encouragement at Fairyhouse today ahead of Sizing Europe’s mouth-watering weekend clash with Kauto Star at Down Royal.
The Co Waterford trainer sends Sizing Mexico, another horse owned by Alan Potts, to Fairyhouse for the 10-runner novice hurdle and it will be interesting to see how the highly-promising bumper and point-to-point winner gets on in his first start for almost a year.
But De Bromhead’s focus is principally on Saturday’s JNwine.com Champion Chase where Sizing Europe tackles three miles for the first time against the mighty Kauto Star.
Another intended Down Royal starter is China Rock who beat Sizing Europe at Punchestown last month but De Bromhead expects an improved show from his Arkle winner.
“He has been very well since Punchestown and he has definitely improved for that run in terms of fitness,” he said yesterday. “We’re stepping him up in trip and we’re very much looking forward to the race.”
China Rock’s trainer Mouse Morris gives the Grade Two hurdles winner The Hurl his first start over fences in the three-mile Beginners Chase but has also booked Andrew McNamara for Venalmar who will attempt to win at the third time of asking this season.
Venalmar ran third Realt Dubh at Navan in September and filled the same spot behind Jessies Dream at Galway recently.
That edge in fitness could give Venalmar the edge against his stable companion and the dour-staying Quadrillon.
