Four-time Grade One hero Sizing John will aim to establish his place at the head of the Cheltenham Gold Cup market in a quality renewal of the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown.
Jessica Harrington’s star completed the Gold Cup treble last year, winning the Irish and Punchestown edition and proving a memorable winner at the Cheltenham’s blue-ribbon event in March.
The seven-year-old made an outstanding return when winning the top-level John Durkan earlier this month, and is primed for today’s challenge.
"I've been happy with Sizing John since the John Durkan and this seems a nice spot for him,” said Harrington.
"There are 12 runners, so it will be fiercely competitive, but I think the bigger field might actually help him. We've just got to keep out of trouble.
"The ground looks like being lovely so that will be more in our favour."
The Cheltenham Gold Cup has always eluded Wille Mullins, but confidence from Ireland is high that Yorkhill could change the fortunes this season.
The seven-year-old begins his road back to the Festival this afternoon, where he has currently won two prizes in March. He was last seen finishing an unlucky second at Fairyhouse, and today’s conditions may go against him.
"It's a very big ask for Yorkhill on his first start of the season," said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, Willie.
"Sizing John put up a huge performance in Punchestown. I thought that was probably his best ever performance and he's going to be very hard to beat.
"Yorkhill seems in good form and because he has to go left-handed that cuts down our options considerably in Ireland.
"It's his first run over three miles since his point-to-point days, but his pedigree is all staying and we're hoping this will be a stepping-stone to the Gold Cup.
"We'll have a lot better idea where we stand after tomorrow."
The yard also run Djakadam who finished second to Sizing John when the pair met a month ago.
Road To Respect, Outlander, Valseur Lido, Alpha Des Obeaux and Balko Des Flos carry the Gigginstown colours, whilst JP McManus is represented by Carlingford Lough, Edwulf, and British-trained Minella Rocco. Zabana also features.
Elsewhere two Festival winners clash in the Christmas Hurdle over three miles.
Top mare Apple’s Jade was an impressive winner over Nichols Canyon, but this afternoon the pair battle over the same trip Willie Mullins’ star won the Stayer’s Hurdle at the Festival.
TIP: I really like Yorkhill and he is my main fancy for the Gold Cup this season, but he prefers a right handed track and is returning after a long break. Sizing John ticks all the boxes here and has a much clearer chance, although Yorkhill may beat him in March. Road To Respect is a good each-way bet. I also like Glenloe and Bacardys elsewhere.
