Garde on target for Cross Country

Garde Champetre is reported to be in tip-top shape as he goes for a fourth course and distance victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The 10-year-old, owned by J P McManus, was twice a winner last season, although he was beaten in this race 12 months ago when he finished second to Dix Villez.

‘He's been on the track this morning. He travelled over yesterday and is looking great,’ said trainer Enda Bolger.

‘He won at the Festival and he won at Christmas time last year so he knows his way round all right.

‘He had a run three weeks ago and is cherry ripe now.’

Garde Champetre will be accompanied by his stablemate Heads Onthe Ground.

Now aged 12, he won the cross country chase at the Festival in March, 2007 and will be making his seventh appearance over these obstacles.

‘He's there to make up the numbers. He will run well but he's starting to get a bit long in the tooth now,’ Bolger went on.

‘He loves these type of races so we're letting him take his chance as well.’

Gordon Elliott is looking forward to getting Silver Birch back into racecourse action.

The 2007 Grand National hero was last seen finishing second to Garde Champetre in the La Touche Cup at Punchestown in April and meets his old adversary on 3lb better terms for a two-length beating.

‘He's fine and it will be his first run back this season. He's as fit as we can have him and we are expecting a big run,’ said the County Meath trainer.

‘He did a little bit of hunting last week but he hasn't done any point-to-pointing. He should have gone in one last week but it was called off. He's in good nick.’

Sizing Australia and Casadei also represent Ireland in a 12-strong field. There are two runners from the Czech Republic, Marath and Lirain, plus a Swedish challenger in the shape of Lights Out.

A British team comprising Soleil Fix, Mr Big, Rimsky and Openide complete the line-up.

Henry de Bromhead is looking to see if Sizing Australia takes to the unique course following a promising schooling session.

‘I'm looking forward to him, he's just jumped the bank fences this morning and he was great schooling over them so I can't wait,’ said De Bromhead.

‘There are some real specialists in there and it is our fellow's first go at it so we are just looking for a good run and we'll see if he takes to it, hopefully he'll run well.

‘He finished second to Albertas Run at this meeting two years ago in a good novice chase so he likes Cheltenham.’