Tied Cottage next for Europe Sizing Europe is likely to warm up for the defence of his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown in February. Henry de Bromhead's nine-year-old reverted to two miles in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday and destroyed his rivals with a scintillating display. Having attempted three miles at Down Royal previously, connections now accept that he is far more effective at the minimum distance, although De Bromhead would still like to see his charge try and prove his stamina on good ground. "I don't think it was ever conclusive last year because we went and ran very well against Kauto Star at Down Royal, probably not riding him as forcefully as normal," De Bromhead told At The Races. "Then he didn't run over three miles again so we didn't really get a conclusion on it because we went for the King George and that was abandoned and we didn't go back, so we said we'd stick to what we know. "We said this year we'd give it a real go and see and in fairness he wasn't too far off in heavy ground. "Obviously his optimum trip is two miles or two and a half. Probably even two-six, he just ran out of steam over three miles, I stress, on heavy ground. "In fairness, I still wouldn't mind seeing him try three miles on good ground but when Alan (Potts, owner) was in the north (Down Royal) the last day he said we'd go back to two miles and we're all really happy doing that. "He's such a class horse he hammered them there yesterday on ground that wouldn't be his optimum. He's just class. "He'll probably have a break now and we'll bring him back for the Tied Cottage at Punchestown and then hopefully head for the Champion Chase. He's back home now and he's very good."
