Champion Chase Tips: Realt Dubh

Sizing Europe is one of the short price favourites I want to oppose this week as the 10/11 (Boylesports) to win the Champion Chase (3.20) looks poor value in my book.

As a ten-year-old i’m concerned that age might start to catch up with him, especially after the gruelling races he’s endured this season. The Tingle Creek was run at such a strong early gallop that everything fell in a heap at the end. The pace collapse meant the race was actually run in almost the same time as the novice event on the card.

After a decent break, Sizing Europe was again pushed to the limit when making all in testing conditions at Punchestown, a race that fell a week closer to Cheltenham than usual.

My worry is that Sizing Europe has used up the big performance that he usually saves for the Festival. In the last two seasons he has lost his next race after a big Cheltenham run. Unfortunately the edge may already have been taken off him this season.

The most likely horse to pick up the pieces is Finian’s Rainbow but at five times the price I’m drawn to Realt Dubh. Third in last year’s Arkle, he only has six lengths to make up on Finian’s Rainbow on that run.

Noel Meade’s 8-year-old has been off the track for 314 days but that means he arrives fresher than most and it could work in his favour. He was good enough to win an Irish Arkle in 2011 which makes him a smart horse – he shouldn’t be 25/1 (Boylesports). Back him each way and get 1/4 odds for a top-three finish.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – Boylesports
Back Realt Dubh with Boylesports as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.