Granite makes Champion debut for Murphy

Sizing Granite makes his first start since joining Colm Murphy in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham today.

The eight-year-old won a Grade One at Aintree for Henry de Bromhead last year but was pipped in the Poplar Square Chase on his comeback and then finished last of five finishers in the race won by Flemenstar at Leopardstown.

Murphy said: "Jonathan Burke was very adamant when he ran at Leopardstown over Christmas that the ground did not suit him so hopefully the conditions at Cheltenham will be more suitable for him.

"He also seems to be at his best at this time of year.

"If you take out Un De Sceaux it (still) looks a very competitive race - everyone else is in the same boat."

Gary Moore has decided against using headgear on Sire De Grugy today.

The 10-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign two seasons ago, culminating with victory in this race, but endured a tougher time last term and was only fourth when defending his crown.

He showed he was no back number when winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December, though, and has run well in defeat behind Sprinter Sacre and Un De Sceaux the last twice.

Moore contemplated fitting his stable star with blinkers for his return to Cheltenham, but said: "We thought about the blinkers, but we didn't feel they'd make any difference to him.

"We're happy with him and it's a case of so far, so good. He's done nothing wrong all season and we couldn't have asked any more from him,

"Un De Sceaux will be hard to beat, but we're no good leaving it all to him."

The Paul Nicholls-trained Dodging Bullets has run just once since his triumph of 12 months ago, disappointing in the Game Spirit at Newbury.

"It has been a nightmare with Dodge all season until he ran the other day," said Nicholls.

"He was beaten first time out last year and needed the run at Newbury. He is a very good work horse at home and you probably feel he is more forward than he is.

"He had a long time off before Newbury, where he travelled well until three out and then got tired in the ground. He needed the run more than we thought. He has improved a lot for that and likes Cheltenham and better ground.

"He has a mountain to climb to beat Un De Sceaux, who looks very good. I think all the others are much of a muchness and am hopeful of an improved run."