RACING NEWS:KAUTO STAR may be chasing a historic fifth King George VI Chase victory over Christmas but Ireland's rising chase star Sizing Europe will attempt to deny him and in the process join an exclusive list of Irish winners of Kempton's prestigious prize.
Both horses feature among a list of 24 entries left in the King George after yesterday’s forfeit stage and while Kauto Star defeated Sizing Europe at Down Royal last month that isn’t deterring Henry De Bromhead from another crack at the great champion. “We’re aiming at the King George. The weather hasn’t been ideal recently but we’ve coped well and the horse seems fine. Our gallop was perfect yesterday and he did a nice piece of work so everything looks okay,” the Tramore-based trainer said.
Sizing Europe is as low as 10 to 1 for the King George which will be his first cross-channel race since landing the Arkle at Cheltenham in March. However, he is an 8 to 1 shot in ante-post betting for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March which appears to reflect continued doubts about the horse at three miles.
However, that JNwine Champion Chase effort at Down Royal convinced De Bromhead his stable star stays three miles. “I watched it again recently and I was pleased with how he stayed on after the last. That certainly proved he gets the trip. Whether it is his optimum trip, I don’t know. We haven’t seen him yet in perfect conditions.
“His jumping has been a little bit deliberate this season, mainly because I think he just isn’t used to racing at that slower pace. It gives him more time to think. But it’s always a good gallop at Kempton and it’s a track that should suit him so we will know more afterwards,” he said.
Three other Irish-trained horses remain in contention for the King George with Cooldine and Forpadydeplasterer joined by Edward O’Grady’s high-class Tranquil Sea. O’Grady is hoping Tuesday’s rescheduled John Durkan Memorial Chase goes ahead at Punchestown for Tranquil Sea but is intent on keeping his options open.
“I left him in at Kempton in case we never race again in this country!” the Co Tipperary trainer said yesterday. “You have to keep all doors open. Normally I would be very happy to run in the John Durkan and leave it at that but these are unusual times. If racing is on Tuesday then he will be there.”
The three-times postponed Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle remains the target for another O’Grady Grade One star, Jumbo Rio.
