De Bromhead targets Ascot chase for Sizing Africa

RACING NEWS:WATERFORD TRAINER Henry De Bromhead plans to have his first runner at Ascot on Saturday when Sizing Africa lines up for a valuable Listed Chase prize.

The eight-year-old is being targeted at the Byrne Group Handicap Chase after an encouraging comeback effort at Gowran earlier this month when third to Jigalo.

Sizing Africa, a dual-chase winner in 2008, carries the Sizing Europe colours of Alan Potts and De Bromhead said yesterday: “He will be our first ever runner at Ascot and we hope he can be competitive in what looks a decent event. He is in good form and we were thrilled with his comeback at Gowran.”

Mouse Morris is also considering a British raid on Saturday with his in-form star China Rock, who is currently a 6 to 1 second favourite in ante-post betting for the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. “I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment, but we haven’t made a definite decision where he’ll run. We’ll have a look and see what’s in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby – he could go for that,” the trainer said.

Oscar Dan Dan is on course to try and repeat his Hatton’s Grace Hurdle triumph of 2009 at Fairyhouse at the start of April.

His trainer Tom Mullins said yesterday: “He’s in great nick. With the ground the way it is at the moment I wanted to run him twice in the last week but couldn’t because I didn’t want to take the chance on firm ground.

“He’ll go back to the Hatton’s Grace. I imagine he’ll go for the Navan race (Lismullen Hurdle) for his first run. He has summered well and is working well.”

The Tipperary independent TD Michael Lowry can get some welcome news from Clonmel today where his racing colours can be carried to victory by Pesoto in the featured Wilderness Chase.

The Edward O’Grady-trained grey has a history of running well fresh including when winning at Limerick last season and his front-running style could catch out some of these, including last season’s Irish Grand National third Whatuthink.

Willie Mullins gives Blazing Tempo a run over fences in the Mares Beginners Chase and the ex-Willie Austin trained runner is sure to be a major force in the race. Star Wood, a four-time winner on the flat, and twice over hurdles, could provide a value alternative however, especially on the back of a recent run over hurdles behind Voler La Vedette.

Galianna has winning form on the flat at Clonmel and should appreciate the step up to two and a half miles in the opener based on her fourth to Moon Over Moscow at Fairyhouse.

The Navan fourth Alderwood can get the better of Tim’s Approach in a battle of the Mullins brothers in the bumper.