Sizing Europe retained his unbeaten record over fences when landing the Bord na Mona - with Nature Novice Chase (Grade 1) at Leopardstown by 5 1/2 lengths from Osana but the result would surely have been different if Captain Cee Bee had not taken a crashing fall at the final fence.
Osana set the pace, but was passed by Sizing Europe on the turn for home and the even money favourite soon stole a couple of lengths on his field.
Captain Cee Bee, who had tracked the leading pair in third place, came with a strong run under Mark Walsh approaching the final fence and appeared to be travelling best as he took off alongside Sizing Europe, but he got his jump all wrong and crashed out to leave the favourite in a clear lead.
Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I'm delighted with that. he didn't jump as well as normal today, but did jump well when it mattered. I was very worried coming down to the last, but he jumped it well. He is best when fresh. We will enjoy today before making future plans."
Sizing Europe has remained unchanged in the betting for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham with most firms (Ladbrokes go 6/1), while Captain Cee Bee is the main mover at 8/1 from as big as 16/1.
William Hill bookmakers took a different view to most by cutting Sizing Europe to 7/2 from 5/1 while they are best priced at 12/1 Captain Cee Bee.
