Trainer Jessica Harrington believes Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John can secure glory in Wednesday‘s Punchestown Gold Cup.
The seven-year-old, who has not been in race action since his victory at Prestbury Park, is bidding to become the first horse since War Of Attrition in 2006 to win both races in the same year.
The bay gelding will face a tough test as Djakadam and Coneygree are both expected to run in the race but Harrington is confident her horse has what it takes to achieve overall glory.
“He seems to be in good form. We know he likes a bit of nice ground, so it’s all systems go,” Harrington said. “It’ll be a helluva race. You’ve got Djakadam again and you’ve got Coneygree coming over.”
Sizing John has only run on four occasions since his last outing at Punchestown 12 months ago and Harrington believes the extra freshness will stand him in good stead.
She added: “It will only be his fifth race of the year and he didn’t start campaigning until Christmas, so hopefully he’s still got a bit in the tank.”
