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Europe Sidesteps King George Challenge
13/01/11

Kauto Star will have one less opponent to worry about when he faces the starter for the fifth time in the Grade 1 William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday, following the news that last year's Arkle Chase hero Sizing Europe will miss the race on account of the anticipated testing ground, writes Elliot Slater.

Sizing Europe
© racing-images.co.uk

Sizing Europe

Sizing Europe had been on offer at around 14/1 for the three-mile showpiece having run well in two attempts at or around that trip since being stepped up from two miles. He chased home China Rock at Punchestown in October, and then ran with plenty of credit to finish a four-length second to none other than Kauto Star himself in the Grade 1 JNWine.com Chase at Down Royal in November, giving every indication that he would stay the trip on a decent surface.

Had the King George gone ahead as originally planned on Boxing Day the ground would have been ideal for the Henry de Bromhead-trained nine-year-old, but this three week later renewal has coincided with a band of wet weather that is expected to make the ground at the Sunbury track pretty testing and this doesn't suit him, as all horse betting experts should know. For a horse who is seen by many as a doubtful stayer in a truly run championship class three miler, this is a major setback.

With a view to returning to the Cheltenham Festival in March and possibly having a crack at the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase, for which he is currently on offer at a variety of prices between 7/1 and 12/1, the de Bromhead team have clearly decided they don't want to expose their star at this stage and have decided to err on the side of caution, a decision that will probably be backed by most people in horse racing.

It will be a disappointment for those with King George ante-post vouchers for Sizing Europe, but doubtless a relief to those who fancy his chances in the Champion Chase.

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