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Clonmel Oil preview

Sizing EuropeSizing Europe
© Photo Healy Racing

Andrew Lynch is looking forward to teaming up with Sizing Europe in the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday.

The jockey believes trainer Henry de Bromhead made the right call in taking the 10-year-old out of the JNwine.com Champion Chase at the last minute because three miles on soft ground would stretch his stamina.

However, Lynch expects soft ground over two and a mile half miles at Clonmel to be well within his compass following his first run of the season at Gowran.

"I can't wait. He seems in great form. It was a blessing in disguise he didn't go to the north (Down Royal), but two and a half miles on soft ground should be all right for him.

"I'd like to think my lad would take a bit of beating. He did it well in Gowran. It was a true-run race that day so hopefully if everything goes to plan tomorrow he should win."

De Bromhead is also unperturbed about the prospect of soft ground as the 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero makes his second start of the campaign.

"Our feeling is that the ground is not such a big issue over two and a half miles," the County Waterford trainer told At The Races.

"Three miles in soft ground, after witnessing last year at Down Royal, we didn't want to see that again.

"I think Clonmel should be fine for him, it's a nice downhill run there. He hasn't run there before but I think he'll like it.

"He schooled around there a few times, they were very helpful when we were first going chasing so he knows the place."

Sizing Europe faces just four rivals at Clonmel, with Tranquil Sea bidding to win the race for the third successive year for trainer Edward O'Grady.

The Martin Hassett-trained Let Yourself Go was runner-up to Tranquil Sea two years ago and the County Tipperary permit holder reports the 10-year-old to be in tip-top shape following his recent run at Cork.

"We were delighted with the way he rain in Cork the last day," he said.

"Shane (Hassett), my nephew who rides him, knows him better than anyone else and he's over the moon with him. He was giving Pires nearly 2st and was not beaten that far.

"We are going there for a bit of prize-money tomorrow. Being realistic Sizing Europe is the one to beat, but there is other money there and the horse is in great shape. He's never been better and he goes on any ground."

Mouse Morris reckons Rathlin will appreciate the soft ground more than some of the opposition and reports the seven-year-old to be approaching his peak after two runs last month.

"He's come on a bit from Naas and going the right way now," said the County Tipperary trainer.

"There's only five runners and there's nice place money there. It will be soft but it will suit him better than a few of them, that's for sure."

Rathlin is owned by the Gigginstown House Stud whose colours will also be carried by the other member of the quintet, Magnanimity, trained by Dessie Hughes.