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What was expected to be titanic battle between Big Zeb and Sizing Europe at Punchestown today turned into a procession for the latter.

The reigning Queen Mother Champion Chase winner was sent of the 9/10 favourite for the Tied Cottage Chase and the winning margin, 15 lengths, has to be a worry for Big Zeb’s handler, Colm Murphy.

Andrew Lynch piloted Sizing Europe to the front just after the first flight and the 10-year-old led the rest of the way, with the third runner, Imperial Shabra, tailed off a long way from the line. Big Zeb did approach the winner two from home but soon fell away as Lynch asked for more.

Lynch said: "He's done it well. The plan was to go out and enjoy it and use his jumping.

"I wanted to use his big stride and though the ground was tacky he's getting stronger now and handles it better.

"He should improve for that - he hasn't run since the Tingle Creek."

Henry de Bromhead’s horse is now 5/4 favourite to retain his Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham.

As for Murphy, he was clearly disappointed with how Big Zeb had run, but he was optimistic he would improve for the Festival.

"Robbie Power was never happy with him today - he said he was always niggling just to keep in touch.

"In fairness, the winner was very good - he's gone a proper gallop on heavy ground. We'll improve for the run, but we'll have to.

"Robbie said he was beat before the first fence. It was always a worry running on that ground, it was proper testing. Cheltenham is still the plan."

Cheltenham may well be the plan but Big Zeb is now out to 7/1 in places for the Champion Chase.