GOLD CUP winner Sizing John is the brightest star on New Year’s Eve as he makes his long-awaited return at Punchestown.
Jessie Harrington’s stable star hasn’t been seen since this time two years ago and will have his first start over hurdles since April 2015.
In what is sure to be a pipe-opener before a tilt at some of the big contests later in the season, connections will be hoping he shows at least some of his old verve in the 2m4f contest.
Winning could be too tough an ask after such a long layoff, but he’s the top-rated hurdler and has a big chance if ready and raring to go.
Trainer Jessica Harrington told RTE: “We’re looking forward to getting him back in action.
“Probably two and a half miles over hurdles is a bit sharp for him these days at his age, but it’s a nice race to start him in.
“He’s ready to go, and we’ll take it from here.
“I haven’t been tempted to run him in another race. I’ve been waiting for this race, because once I spotted it I felt it looked just the right sort of race to bring him back in after all his time off.
“We saw it in the middle of November and felt everything else over Christmas would have been too hard for him first time back.”
A lot needs to be taken on trust, though, and he could struggle to contain the race-fitSTRATUM.
Willie Mullins’ Cesarewitch winner wasn’t at his best in the Irish November Handicap when last seen but he has bags of class and is more than capable of landing this if putting his best foot forward.
He has to carry a penalty but is up against some out of form rivals, many of whom have bigger targets later in the season, and this could be the time to catch him.
Burrows Saintis one of those who’s likely to be aimed again at the Irish National and this is certainly a trip short of his optimum.
He’s a much better chaser than hurdler and is likely to be using this as a stepping stone to a staying event over fences further down the line.
Cracking Smarthas been out of form for some time and this isn’t an easy race in which to rediscover his winning run, whileKitten Rockhas ability but hasn’t run for 517 days.
Saglawyisn’t without a shout considering he carries recent form from the level but he doesn’t appear to be quite the same horse he once was, whileSayoalso has plenty to prove.
It could well be between Sizing John and Stratum and although the latter has more weight to carry, his fitness could be the deciding factor.
