Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sizing John heads a classy field for the Leopardstown Christmas Chase
Jessica Harrington's Gold Cup hero looks to continue his winning run on Thursday
SIZING JOHN faces a 11 classy rivals in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase on Thursday.
Jessica Harrington's seven-year-old created history last season by winning Gold Cups at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown.
He made his seasonal debut at Punchestown on December 10 and soundly defeated Djakadam.
Harrington said: "I've been happy with Sizing John since the John Durkan and this seems a nice spot for him, then we can see what we do after that - I'm just taking each race as it comes.
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"There are 12 runners, so it will be fierce competitive, but I think the bigger field might actually help him. We've just got to keep out of trouble.
"The ground looks like being lovely so that will be more in our favour."
Djakadam takes him on again but his stablemate Yorkhill could be the biggest danger to Sizing John as he steps up in trip to three miles.
Yorkhill has not been seen since he threw away victory in the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April.
"It's a very big ask for Yorkhill on his first start of the season," said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, Willie.
"Yorkhill seems in good form and because he has to go left-handed that cuts down our options considerably in Ireland.
Templegate's TV tips
1.20 Kempton - The Unit: 'The small field and decent pace should play into his hands'
1.55 Kempton - Midnight Tour: 'Progressive last season and made a promising return'
2.30 Kempton - Politologue: 'There’s more to come and he should make it a hat-trick of wins this season'
3.05 Kempton - Sir Ivan: 'His third behind Elegant Escape and Black Corton at Newbury looks good form'
"It's his first run over three miles since his point-to-point days, but his pedigree is all staying and we're hoping this will be a stepping-stone to the Gold Cup. We'll have a lot better idea where we stand after tomorrow."
Of Djakadam, Patrick Mullins added: "I don't think he ran up to his best the last day. He didn't really carry Paul (Townend) the whole way.
"We're just hoping that run has blown the cobwebs away and that he'll travel with a bit more enthusiasm. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't improve on that run."
Minella Rocco, Carlingford Lough and Edwulf represent owner J P McManus while Gigginstown House Stud run five with Andrew Lynch's Zabana completing the field.