Power pleased with Sizing John ahead of return

Robbie Power reports Sizing John in good form as the former Gold Cup winner nears a return to action following a two years’ absence.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding completed the unique treble of Gold Cups at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown in 2017 but has been sidelined since disappointing at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting later that year.

Connections are planning a return to action over hurdles at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, and Power is hopeful the nine-year-old retains plenty of ability.

“He’s had a few niggly little problems but he’s good now. I rode him work in Punchestown after racing on John Durkan day and he felt back to definitely 90 per cent of his ability,” he told Racing TV.

“He felt real good that day and I schooled him over hurdles later that week and it felt like that power behind the saddle that he’s always had was back. He felt really good schooling and is going to have his first run over hurdles on New Year’s Eve.

“Fingers crossed, as it’s been so long, that we can get him back on New Year’s Eve and that he can progress from there. I don’t think you can be certain until you go to the racecourse how much ability they retain but he’s showing the right signs at home.

“Obviously New Year’s Eve will decide where he goes next but I would imagine if things went well he’d go to the Irish Gold Cup in Leopardstown and then that would decide his target.

“Jessie has mentioned on a few occasions that she got bitten by the bug last year for the Grand National so I’d say he’ll get an entry.”