'All systems go' as Sizing John bids to complete unique treble

5.30 Punchestown
Coral Punchestown Gold Cup | (Grade 1) | 5yo+ | 3m½f | RTE/ATR

The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John will be attempting to crown a marvellous winter and spring for Jessica Harrington, Robbie Power and owners Ann and Alan Potts in today's Punchestown showpiece.

He faces five rivals including Djakadam, fourth behind him at Cheltenham last month, and Coneygree, winner of the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park two years ago.

Victory for Sizing John would enable him to emulate Kicking King and War Of Attrition, who added the Punchestown prize to their Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2006.

And success for the seven-year-old would result in his becoming the only horse to complete the Irish Gold Cup, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Punchestown Gold Cup treble in the same year.

Harrington said yesterday: "It's a very good race and Sizing John seems in very good form. We know he likes nice ground, which he's going to get, so it's all systems go.

"It'll be only his fifth race this season and he started off only at Christmas, so, hopefully, he's still got a bit in the tank."

Pros Has blossomed since being stepped up in trip. Well suited by good ground and every chance he can improve on his Cheltenham Gold Cup performance.

Cons He had the toughest race of his life 40 days ago and will need to have fully recovered.