'Sizing' up for Cheltenham (From The Westmorland Gazette)

'Sizing' up for Cheltenham

6:25pm Tuesday 11th March 2008 in

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<p>CHELTENHAM arrives at last for the fans of National Hunt racing and the Tuesday meeting showcases the top all-age hurdlers in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.</p>
<p>It's a fanstatic race and the Irish have several serious contenders including SIZING EUROPE (3.15), who was very impressive when defeating Hardy Eustace last time out.</p>
<p> Last year's champion Sublimity has been laid out for this race again and is reported in fine form and Harchibald is also well-fancied, though it will take masterful jockeyship to get him home as he has a tendency to down tools once he gets his head in front.</p>
<p>Sizing can live up to his tall reputation, with Osana the best of the British challengers.</p>
<p>Looking for value in the opening Supreme Novices Chase (2.00), it's worth considering NUMIDE. Overlooked because he is held on form by Pigeon Island, Gary Moore's charge was beaten less than a length in a French Derby before being bought for 100,000 guineas to go hurdling. Two easy wins do not account for much but at 28-1 he might be worth a chance of redeeming himself for his very able trainer.</p>
<p>You need to be as tough as old boots to get round Cheltenham when the gallop is on from start to finish and RING THE BOSS is a battleship of a horse, who was only just outpointed by Kruguyrova on his fencing debut. He has Noland, who will be a short-priced favourite, to beat.</p>
<p>David Pipe is keen on ABRAGANTE's chance for the Willliam Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (4.00 and others to look out for are GARDE CHAMPETRE (4.40) and RIVER LIANE (5.20).</p>