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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Champion Chase Wikis Point to Sizing Europe
02/01/12

The 2012 running of the Champion Chase could be a small-field affair as many of those in the ante-post betting list are shorter for the Ryanair.

Sizing Europe
© Racehorse Photos

Looking to the Wiki content for clues, it seems the strongest credentials are held by Sizing Europe. Although tried over 3miles, Sizing Europe showed that he retains the speed for 2-miles when impressively winning the Tingle Creek this year at Sandown Park. That should not have come as a surprise as the Irish-trained gelding has been successful in all but one of his visits to England, including 3 times from 4 at Cheltenham. Indeed, he cruised to victory in last year's Champion Chase, having won the Arkle in 2010.

Big Zeb
© racing-images.co.uk

Big Zeb was 5-lengths back in second a year ago to the selection, having taken the race in 2010. It will be interesting to see how Big Zeb's prep-race goes given his history of repeating that placing at the festival and even more interesting to see if Barry Geraghty rides in preference to Finian's Rainbow, should the latter line-up.

Looking down the list for a 'new kid on the block' type challenger, Kauto Stone catches the eye but he is more likely to go for the Ryanair as things stand so the recommendation at this stage is Sizing Europe to enhance his excellent Cheltenham record. The best odds are currently 11/4 which is available with Bet 365, William Hill and Sporting Bet.