DOWN SIZING JOHN
CHELTENHAM Gold Cup hero Sizing John will not defend his crown in next week’s festival.
The eight-year-old carried all before him last season but this campaign has not gone to plan after an impressive return in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December.
He was hot favourite to win the Leopardstown Christmas Chase but was well-beaten in seventh.
And although trainer Jessica Harrington was hopeful he was returning to his best for the Festival, a “hairline non-displaced fracture of his pelvis” has dashed plans. She said: “He will have box rest for two weeks and then be rescanned with a view of starting walking exercise.”
BOBBIE’S DIAMOND (2.50) can sparkle for Andrew Hamilton on Totepool Raceday at Ayr. The gelding was a good second to the useful Looksnowtlikebrian here last time.
The eight-year-old remains largely unexposed over fences in this country and can go one better off the same mark under useful claimer Ross Chapman.
Lucinda Russell rarely leaves Ayr empty-handed and she can strike with SAINT FREULE (2.20).
The gelding wasn’t exactly a world-beater over two miles as a novice but showed enough to suggest he can win his share over 2m 4f in handicaps.
CHARMANT (3.25) can lift the James Barclay Challenge Trophy for Langholm’s James Ewart.
The six-year-old has been in cracking form over hurdles this season and remains on a workable mark after chasing home the consistent Nendrum at Musselburgh.
Neil Alexander can bag the feature Totesport Handicap Chase with LAKE VIEW LAD (4.00).
The eight-year-old produced another personal best over fences when wearing down the classy Crievehill at Haydock and should still be on the upgrade.
The Kinross handler can quickly double-up thanks to MASSINI’S LADY (4.30). The mare looked to have plenty in hand when slamming Flemerina over 2m 5f at Kelso and can shrug off an 8lb hike under Brian Hughes.
The closing amateur riders’ hurdle is trappy but I like the look of DEDIGOUT (5.05).
Micky Hammond’s gelding shaped like his turn was near when just held by the thriving The Delray Munkey over course and distance and can build on that effort today.
RATHLIN ROSE (3.40) and Guy Disney can repeat last year’s success in the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown.