Punchestown Festival 2013 - Champion Chase

5.30 Punchestown

Boylesports.com Champion Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €124,000

Advice: 6 pts Sizing Europe without Sprinter Sacre (4/6 Paddy Power), 2 pts Sprinter Sacre to win by 13 or more lengths (5/4 Hills)

Days Hotel: A little disappointing but beaten fair, and quite easily by Foildubh running off 6lbs worse terms today in Normans G

rove Chase by Foildubh; Had previously looked very good for fourth in time in short chasing career given 2m and heavy ground when beating Realt Dubh convincingly in Grade 2 at Naas, but this a different level altogether.

Folidubh: Made it a first graded win after seven tries when pouncing to beat Days Hotel with fair amount of ease at Fairyhouse; Now 6lbs worse off and in ground which practically promises not to suit.

Noble Prince: Once a very promising horse, especially when winning 2m4f Grade 2 at Cheltenham in style, but not reached those same height’s since and recent hurdles runs don’t suggest magical comeback.

Sizing Europe: Well established as the best 2m chaser around two seasons ago, and lost little in losing his crown to Finan’s Rainbow last season, and didn’t lose a race until being unable to cope with Sprinter Sacre at Cheltenham, although untouched in race for second; Same situation likely.

Sprinter Sacre: Had always threatened to become one of great chasers (spectacular Arkle win last year in a top renewal) but surpassed even highest of expectations when destroying Sizing Europe in Champion Chase by 19 lenghts in what was one the great performances, and then dismissing Cue Card (Ryanair winner by 9 lengths) over 2m4f in Melling Chase (distance could have been any number of lengths); This his third outing in 6 weeks but too far clear for defeat to be an option.

VERDICT: The appearance of SPRINTER SACRE is the highlight of this festival for many and Nicky Henderson’s superstar, one of the finest chasers of recent times, should beat Sizing Europe into second with a minimum of fuss, with those two a distance clear of the rest. Seven of Sprinter Sacre’s nine chase wins have come by 13 lengths or more, so the 5/4 that Hills offer on a win by that distance and upwards is worth taking, and a safer option would be Sizing Europe to win without the favourite. Henry De Bromhead’s charge is miles clear of the rest here and should be a clear second.