SIZING FITS THE BILL
12.50
RUNYON RATTLER won over two and a half miles at Bellewstown in the summer and upped 7lb he put in a decent effort when fifth to Ben Dundee at Punchestown in October. Unseated last time at Cheltenham but could spring a surprise at a big price. Voix Du Reve will likely go off favourite carrying top weight for Willie Mullins. The five-year-old hasn’t been seen since second to Wolf Of Windlesham at Sandown in April 2016 over two miles.
1.20
APPLE’S JADE is a confident choice to make the step up to three miles for the first time. Gordon Elliot’s star long-distance hurdler made an impressive return to the track when trouncing Nichols Canyon earlier this month by nine lengths. That was over two and a half miles, but it will be a surprise if she doesn’t add another Grade One victory. Nichols Canyon should follow her home once more, while former Champion Hurdler Jezki also tries the trip for the first time and can fill the minor places.
1.50
A competitive novice handicap hurdle in which LIKE AN OPEN BOOK is selected to add to his recent success at Thurles. He ran on well that day to win for the second time in his three most recent handicap starts. Jack Dillinger will need to improve on his first run in handicap hurdle company but was a fine third to the potentially brilliant Samcro in October and has the class to make the frame.
3.00
In a top-notch line-up SIZING JOHN can consolidate his position as the best staying chaser in Britain and Ireland by taking his fifth Grade One in succession. Last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup hero made his return to the fray this term with a seven-length beating of Djakadam over two and a half miles, and can be expected to once again give that same rival short shrift over a distance he prefers. Djakadam rarely runs a bad race but often finds one to beat him. Stablemate Yorkhill was one of last season’s best novice chasers and tackles three miles for the first time. His lack of jumping finesse may find him out.