Sizing Europe and Big Zeb to Meet at Punchestown
- By A.J. Ryder on January 31, 2012 17:32 GMT
Two of the best chasers on the short distance chasing circuit are set to do battle this Sunday at Punchestown in the Tied Cottage Chase. It sets the stage for another dramatic race between Sizing Europe and Big Zeb – a pair who have combined to face each other in a number of epic duels over the past few seasons.
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Weather has been a concern at Punchestown just as it has been throughout the rest of the country during the past week or so. Frost covers are not out yet but they could come into play later in the week.
The ground at Punchestown is currently described as heavy.
Sizing Europe was able to get one over Big Zeb last year at Cheltenham when sent off at a hefty 10/1 in the Champion Chase. Big Zeb then got the better of the then-favourite Sizing Europe in the equivalent race at the Punchestown festival.
The ten-year-old son of Pistolet Bleu got things off to a great start at Gowran Park this season only to come up short next time out to Quito De La Roque in a breakout performance. He wasn't exactly fancied on the day and only came out at 7/2. He was then able to put in a great shift at Sandown back in early December in the Tingle Creek to canter home by an eight length margin.
Big Zeb has rattled off two wins in a row so far this season and hasn't finished outside of the top two since December of 2009. He's been well-backed both times and you reckon that most punters will favour him running over heavier ground whereas Sizing Europe usually prefers the going at Cheltenham.
As it currently stands, Sizing Europe trades as high as 9/4 for Champion Chase glory with Big Zeb priced out between 7/2 and 4/1.
