Andrew Lynch is looking forward to teaming up with brilliant two-miler Sizing Europe in the Clonmel Oil Chase.

The jockey believes trainer Henry de Bromhead made the right call in taking the 10-year-old out of the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal at the last minute because three miles on soft ground would have stretched his stamina.

However, Lynch expects soft ground over two and a half miles at Clonmel to be well within his compass following his first run of the season at Gowran.

The jockey said: "I can't wait. He seems in great form. It was a blessing in disguise he didn't go to the North (Down Royal), but two and a half miles on soft ground should be all right for him. I'd like to think my lad would take a bit of beating.

"He did it well in Gowran. It was a true-run race that day, so hopefully if everything goes to plan he should win."

De Bromhead is also unperturbed about the prospect of soft ground as the 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero makes his second start of the campaign.

He told At The Races: "Our feeling is that the ground is not such a big issue over two and a half miles. Three miles in soft ground, after witnessing last year at Down Royal, we didn't want to see that again.

"I think Clonmel should be fine for him, it's a nice downhill run there. He hasn't run there before, but I think he'll like it. He schooled around there a few times. They were very helpful when we were first going chasing, so he knows the place."

Mouse Morris reckons Rathlin will appreciate the soft ground more than some of the opposition and reports the seven-year-old to be approaching his peak after two runs last month.

The trainer said: "He's come on a bit from Naas and is going the right way now. There are only five runners and there's nice place money there. It will be soft, but it will suit him better than a few of them, that's for sure."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests