Watch Sizing Europe's win in the Tied Cottage Chase

Sizing victory leaves bookies running scared

AFTER Sizing Europe's 15-length success in the Tied Cottage, bookmakers were running for cover as the chances of seeing all four championship races retained by the current winners was given a further boost after wins last weekend for Hurricane Fly and Big Buck's.

Ladbrokes are now a best-priced 6-4 about Sizing Europe winning at the festival for the third consecutive year. William Hill went 18-1 (from 25) about Hurricane Fly, Sizing Europe, Big Buck's and Long Run retaining their titles.

"With Sizing Europe the latest reigning champion to outline his credentials for a repeat there's a real chance we could see all four festival ante-post favourites retain their respective crowns," said spokeswoman LucyRhodes.

Coral and Paddy Power go 20-1 about a repeat for the quartet, while Ladbrokes, who seem to be wary of the price tumbling further should Long Run enhance his Gold Cup claims at Newbury in the Betfair Denman Chase, are shortest at 16-1 (from 25).

Despite suffering two defeats to a resurgent Kauto Star this year, Long Run remains the 9-4 favourite to retain his Gold Cup crown and a return to winning ways next Saturday would see him become the fourth festival favourite in three weeks to record a victory.

Big Zeb has been pushed out to 6-1 (from 4-1), while Scotsirish shortened at the head of the Glenfarclas Cross Country betting after a simple success on Sunday and is now 5-2 (from 3-1). The other big mover of the day was impressive Grade 2 winner Trifolium, who was cut to 12-1 (from 25) with Ladbrokes for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle.