Sport

Europe to defend Tied Cottage title

Sizing Europe could face up to six rivals when he defends his crown in the Boylesports

Wed Jan 30 2013 - 00:00

Sizing Europe could face up to six rivals when he defends his crown in the Boylesports.comTied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

Henry de Bromhead’s 11-year-old has appeared as good as ever in winning his three starts this season and is set to take in this weekend’s Grade Two test en-route to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

His Cheltenham target has not been decided with the Queen Mother Champion Chase, which he won in 2011, the Ryanair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup all under consideration.

Sizing Europe looks likely to be a warm order in this weekend’s two-mile event, with 20lb and more in hand over each of his opponents on official ratings.

READ MORE

Three entries for champion trainer Willie Mullins head the opposition, with talented mare Blazing Tempo joined by stable companions Call The Police and Twinlight.

Foildubh regularly picks up prize-money at this level without winning, while Imperial Shabra and Kylebeg Krystle complete the confirmations.

Ned Buntline could aim for a second victory over obstacles in the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle also at Punchestown on Sunday.

Trainer Noel Meade spoke about the five-year-old in glowing terms after an impressive victory in a Naas bumper in November and although he was beaten on his hurdling bow at Fairyhouse, he bounced back with victory at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.

Grade Two

He could step up to Grade Two company this weekend and Meade is keen to see how he fares on his next run before making any decision about a possible trip to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“He might run in Punchestown on Sunday and we’ll see what happens then before we make plans for Cheltenham,” said Meade.

“He will run somewhere [before Cheltenham], it might be Punchestown this weekend, so we’ll see. His next run will tell us more.” Ned Buntline is one of 12 entries for this weekend’s two-mile contest, with champion trainer Willie Mullins entering Mozoltov, Reine Angevine and Twigline.

Gordon Elliott’s Don Cossack is another interesting contender, along with the Margaret Mullins-trained Mumbo Jumbo and Starkie from Henry de Bromhead’s yard.