Sizing set for Arkle assignment :: Horse Racing News

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02:36 Friday 10th February 2012

Updated: 15th March 2010

Sizing set for Arkle assignment

PA News

Henry de Bromhead is happy with Sizing Europe ahead of the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old goes to the Festival with an unbeaten record in four runs over fences, culminating in a Grade One contest at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

"We're pleased with how he travelled over and he seems in great form. It looks a really good and competitive race. Hopefully he'll run well and give a good account of himself. The ground is absolutely lovely, they've done a great job on it," said the County Waterford trainer.

Sizing Europe is one of a six-strong Irish contingent among a final field of 12 declared for the two-mile novice chase championship. Willie Mullins runs both Quiscover Fontaine and Sports Line, his brother Tom has Fosters Cross, while Eddie Harty's Captain Cee Bee and Osana complete the team.

The home brigade is headed by Henrietta Knight's Somersby and Nicky Henderson's pair of Mad Max and Riverside Theatre. The latter has won both his starts over fences to date and arrives at Prestbury Park with strong claims.

"All has gone well with him. He is a very athletic horse and he loves being fresh," said Henderson. "It is a fine line between being fit and being fresh but when he is fresh he is very good and good ground will suit him well.

"I know JP McManus and all of the boys are sweet on Captain Cee Bee but we are competitive and I wouldn't throw Mad Max out. We will make use of him and I can see him running well."

Paul Nicholls runs Woolcombe Folly, winner of his last five races but only one of those has been over fences. He was the unfortunate horse that ruled Sam Thomas out of the Festival after a fall when schooling last week.

"I have had this race in mind since Doncaster, although he does lack a bit of experience," said Nicholls. "He jumped great at Doncaster and if the ground stays dry then he would have an outside chance but we have all got to go to beat Captain Cee Bee. He looks rock-solid and I could see Riverside Theatre going close too."

Emma Lavelle's Kangaroo Court and I'm Delilah from Ferdy Murphy's stable round out the field.