Preview down royal 3rd Nov

Crack two-miler Sizing Europe tackles the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal with connections hoping it will be third time lucky.

The 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero has never won over three miles and in his previous attempts at picking up this Grade One he has been beaten first by the legendary Kauto Star and then, last season, by Quito De La Roque.

Henry de Bromhead's 10-year-old signalled he could be in for another big year when winning impressively at Gowran last month, but he will be tested to the full by the likes of Kauto Stone, Realt Dubh and First Lieutenant, as well as last year's victor.

All eyes will be on last year's Drinmore Novice Chase winner Bog Warrior when the exciting eight-year-old returns to action in the Ladbrokes Chase.

Tony Martin's star, who runs in the Gigginstown House Stud colours, trailed in a country mile behind Flemenstar at Naas last March and will need to put that well behind him with an opponent of the calibre of Cristal Bonus in the field.

The main race over the smaller obstacles is the Billecart-Salmon Handicap Hurdle, in which Martin saddles the versatile Pires an impressive winner over fences at Cork last time.

Among the opposition is 2011 Galway Hurdle winner Moon Dice, who carries top weight and is another reverting from fences, having won a novice chase on the same Cork card. Other dangers include Gold Ability, Sportsmaster and Back To Balloo.

The meeting opens with the Value Cabs Maiden Hurdle (12.45), in which the Dessie Hughes-trained Art Of Logistics attempts to follow up his Roscommon bumper success, while stable companion Baby's Hot gets a chance of compensation in the the Rainbow Communications Handicap Chase, having been brought down last time.

The Tayto Group Handicap Hurdle looks a tricky affair, though a big run can be expected from the in-form mare Great Oak, who has not been out of the first two on her last six visits to a racetrack.