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LEOPARDSTOWN has produced more than its fair share of thrills and spills so far this Christmas but there should be no mishaps for SIZING JOHN (3.00) in the feature Christmas Chase.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner looked as good as ever when despatching Djakadam on his comeback at Punchestown on very deep ground that wouldn't have suited him entirely.
Sizing John should make it six wins in a row, probably at the main expense of Yorkhill. Last season's impressive JLT Novices' Chase victor should be suited by three miles but Sizing John sets a searching standard.
With the UK jumps cards threatened by the harsh weather, I'll restrict myself to a couple of bets on the Polytrack at Lingfield.
CEYHAN (11.40) should reward early birds in the seller having scored with a bit in hand at Chelmsford City.
The top weight steps up to 1m 4f but was staying on strongly over the shorter distance in that Class 6 handicap. Ceyman took care of Mick Easterby's well-backed Chaucer's Tale and the fourth horse won next time out.
Bertie Moon is rated 5lb superior by the official handicapper but has been out of sorts. However, Keelan Baker takes off 8lb so Bertie Moon has a big chance strictly on figures.
The mile maiden has attracted a modest crew, with odds-on favourite Paradise Lake having his first start for Ed Walker since leaving Sir Michael Stoute.
He has the edge on SWISS VINNARE (2.20) through a collateral formline through Colourful Character but we know Swiss Vinnare is race-fit having been third here to David Elsworth's impressive Dash Of Spice. I'd rather be an each-way player as there is plenty of deadwood in this nine-runner contest.
Recommended bets
- Leopardstown 3.00 – Sizing John (6-4, Paddy Power)
- Lingfield 11.40 – Ceyhan (15-8 Betfred, BetVictor)
- Lingfield 2.20 – Swiss Vinnare ew (5-1, general)
In December 2020 we sadly 
