3 minute read

Robbie Power is confident the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup trip is within Sizing John's compass.

Having chased home Douvan on countless occasions in his younger days with Henry de Bromhead, new trainer Jessica Harrington has stepped him up in trip.

Connections have been rewarded with wins in the Kinloch Brae Chase and last time out in the Irish Gold Cup, beating Empire Of Dirt and Don Poli.

"Sizing John has always given the impression that he stays very well. He galloped all the way to the line in the Irish Gold Cup." said Power.

"I suppose you don't know until you try, but I'd be confident he will get the extra two furlongs and obviously a bit better ground would help.

"He's run well twice at Cheltenham before over two miles and his big strength is his jumping. He's very quick through the air and he gets that from having run over two miles in top-class races.

"On a line through Don Poli, he's probably got the best chance of the Irish runners, but the one Irish horse I'd be afraid of is Djakadam as he's going there fresh and it's the first time he's done that.

"It's a competitive Gold Cup and there'll be a big field so you'll need a lot of luck.

"I've been with Jessie 16 years now so it would be great to win a Gold Cup for her.

"I've hopefully got a few nice rides. Forge Meadow was very impressive at Naas and we've always thought a lot of her. Good ground over two miles is ideal for her, I thought Naas would be too soft for her but she handled it.

"The race (Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle) will suit her but the mares' races this year look very competitive, lots of strength in depth, so she'll have to be on her A game.

"Supasundae has a nice mark, he's on 145 and will carry 11st in the Coral Cup. He was only beaten 14 lengths in the Supreme last year, so he has form at Cheltenham and the extra trip will suit him."