Sizing It Up, He Looks Nap Material

It always happens like this, dear reader, and I never learn.

I find a horse that I am so certain of, in which my faith is so unshakable, that I make it my nap of the meeting, my veritable 'five star lock' (as our brothers across the Atlantic would call it).

And so, after the mammoth disappointments of Kauto Star in the Champion Chase (fell at the third); Well Chief in last year's Champion Chase (fell at the second!); and Dylan Thomas in the Breeders Cup Turf (insipid and unsighted fifth of eight to the Yanks), I am extremely wary of the nigh on inevitability of my fate.

But take a look at these visual clues, if you've not seen them before, and tell me what you think...

The first is the Greatwood Hurdle run over the course and rough distance. A couple of points to note with this one:

1. The going was soft
2. Sizing Europe goes alone near side and is under most pressure there (I suspect on the worst ground)
3. He jumps impeccably all the way round
4. He is going away from Osana at the end, albeit in receipt of 6lb



Now this one is the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle, traditionally a key prep race for the Cheltenham version. Note here:
1. Going was yielding
2. He didn't touch a twig all the way round
3. He pretty much won on the bridle
4. He was going away from Hardy Eustace at the end, off level weights


It's quite conceivable that Sizing Europe will not win tomorrow. Indeed, he's drifted out to 5/2 for the race for some reason, and he might drift still further. But, for the life of me, I can't see why.

I dearly hope that I don't end up performing another autopsy in ink tomorrow evening, but my previous is there for all to see...

Best of luck with your Tuesday wagers. I've got plenty to cheer home, but Sizing Europe is my biggest fancy of the week, by a distance.

Matt