LEAVE IT TO KING JOHN
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CHELTENHAM Gold Cup hero SIZING JOHN (2.05) can make a winning reappearance in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown tomorrow in a fascinating Grade One event.
Having seen the disappearing rear end of Douvan over two miles on no less than seven occasions during his novice career, the seven-year-old has been stepped up in trip since joining the Jessica Harrington yard at the beginning of the year.
Since then, Sizing John has won three Grade One chases over more than three miles.
In amongst them was the blue riband at Cheltenham in March to become the current champion middle-distance chaser.
Suited
He faces five opponents tomorrow, including Djakadam, trained by Willie Mullins, who finished runnerup to the late Alan Potts-owned sevenyear-old in a thrilling finish to the Punchestown Gold Cup in April.
Djakadam appears suited to this two-and-a-half-mile trip, having won this race for the past two years.
But he was also soundly beaten by his rival when finishing a remote fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and despite the predicted heavy ground, Sizing John just has the edge.
The Henry de Bromheadtrained Sub Lieutenant, Gordon Elliott’s A Toi Phil and the veteran Carlingford Lough complete the field.
At Cork tomorrow UN DE SCEAUX (2.20) tops the bill in the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase and is hard to oppose.
Originally poised to tackle the Sandown fences in the Tingle Creek Chase he won last year, the nine-year-old stays at two miles having won the 2m 5f Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.
The Mullins firecracker was subsequently beaten a length and three-quarters by Fox Norton in the BoyleSports Champion Chase at Punchestown in April, but he should return to winning ways here.
Enda Bolger’s Ballyoisin poses the biggest threat, with Gordon Elliott sending Ball D’Arc and Clarcam, both winners last time out.
Two competitive fields line up in the main supporting races at Cork.
Strong
In the Grade Three Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle Elliott sends Monkshood and Burren Life, while Mullins lines up Fabulous Saga and Minella Beau. MONKSHOOD (1.50) stayed on strongly to beat Minella Beau by seven lengths at Fairyhouse last month and should be too strong for his five rivals. Granny Biddy gives weight to her rivals and can chase the five-year-old home. In the Grade Three Kerry Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase, BILLY’S HOPE (2.50) can give Harrington another decent prize on the day. Having taken his time to become accustomed to the bigger obstacles, the six-yearold impressed when beating Asthenia by three lengths at Thurles last month. He can hold off likely hot favourite Shattered Love from the Elliot camp. ®