Bolger dominates cross-country field :: Horse Racing News

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02:54 Friday 10th February 2012

Updated: 15th March 2010

Bolger dominates cross-country field

PA News

Enda Bolger is responsible for five of the 16 runners as he seeks to continue his dominance of the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

The County Limerick trainer has won four of the five runnings of the cross-country event and both Garde Champetre, successful the last two seasons, and 2007 winner Heads Onthe Ground are among his and owner JP McManus's quintet.

"They are all in good nick. They travelled over grand, we're delighted with them and the ground will suit us. They like the dry ground," said Bolger.

"Garde Champetre did it last season with top weight so there's no reason why he can't do it again, but there's Monkerhostin there this time and a couple of Irish horses in there too.

"L'Ami actually ran better than Garde Champetre in their hurdle prep races. He was only beaten nine lengths by Rite Of Passage so JT (McNamara) definitely wouldn't swap him at this stage. It would be great to win it again."

Henry de Bromhead hopes to break Bolger's monopoly with Sizing Australia, who has finished second and third behind Garde Champetre over the course and distance already this season.

"Sizing Australia is in good form. I'm very pleased with him and I'm looking forward to running him," said the County Waterford handler.

"Obviously Enda's got a real stranglehold on the race so we'll try to do our best and see how we get on."