Williams waits on Kempton call for Cap Du Nord

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Christian Williams will make a late call on whether to allow Cap Du Nord to make a swift return to action and bid for back-to-back victories in the Coral Trophy at Kempton on Saturday.

The 10-year-old was a clear-cut winner of the prestigious handicap 12 months ago and struck gold for the first time since in last weekend’s LK Bennett Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot.

Cap Du Nord would carry a 5lb penalty for that win if he were to turn out just seven days later and Williams admits the £150,000 prize is tempting.

He said: “We’ll probably make a final decision on Thursday morning, but he came out of Ascot in great form, so we’ll see.

“We could wait for the Scottish National, but it’s a very valuable race on Saturday, there might not be a whole lot of runners and we feel it’s a track that suits him very well and the ground will suit him.

“We’d like to see how the race cuts up before we decide whether to take a chance or not.”

Kitty’s Light made it a one-two for Williams when chasing home Cap Du Nord in last year’s Coral Trophy, before finding only another stablemate too strong in the Scottish Grand National in Win My Wings.

Kitty’s Light is 8lb lower in the weights than this time last year following an underwhelming season thus far and while he also has the option of running at Kempton again, Williams is currently favouring a trip to the north east.

Kitty's Light (right) in action at Sandown
Kitty’s Light (right) in action at Sandown (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“We’ll probably go to Newcastle for the Eider Chase with Kitty’s, as long as the ground doesn’t go too soft up there,” the Welsh trainer dded.

“If Frodon runs at Kempton it keeps us out of the weights a little bit, so I would have thought Kitty’s will go to Newcastle. If Frodon doesn’t run, then he’ll probably go to Kempton for the prize-money.

“He hasn’t won for two years and was struggling to win off those higher marks. The handicapper has given him a chance and the horse deserves to win a feature race, so let’s hope it’s on the weekend.”

Blackmore hails retiring National hero Minella Times

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Rachael Blackmore acknowledged her life-changing Grand National success on Minella Times after the 2021 winner was retired through injury.

Trained Henry de Bromhead was hoping to have another crack at the great race via the cross-country chase at Cheltenham.

However, a shoulder problem has emerged which has forced connections to call time on his career.

He will be forever remembered as the horse who enabled Blackmore to become the first woman to ride the winner of the most famous race in the world.

Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore on their way to victory
Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore on their way to victory (David Davies/PA)

“I think that day did change my life. I didn’t realise the scope of the Grand National or the reach that the race has until afterwards, it really does hit different parts of the world that other races perhaps don’t,” said Blackmore, speaking at the weights lunch for this year’s race.

“Outside the racing bubble, it hits a lot of people and when you’re walking in today and you’re seeing replays of all the old races playing in the background, it’s just an incredible race and it’s a privilege to be a part of its history now.

“He’s such a special horse for me and he gave me the best day in racing that I’ve had – and there’s a lot of hot competition for that!

“It was such an incredible day and you just have so much gratitude for the horse when they give you something like he did. It was an incredible day and to be able to do it in the colours of JP McManus and for Henry just made it even more special.

“He’s always been a yard favourite I think and Henry and all the team have done such an incredible job with him to achieve that, so I’ll always be so grateful to Henry and everyone down there for what they did in getting him to win the race.”

Reflecting on the race itself she said: “He was just such a fabulous jumper. He jumped so well from fence to fence. Obviously we got a lot of luck in the race and got a beautiful passage throughout, so luck was definitely on our side and you need that in a Grand National.

“He’s just such an intelligent horse and it was such an enjoyable race to ride in, aside from going over the line which took it to a whole different stratosphere.

“Actually riding in the race was electric and jockeys always say that just getting around in the National gives you a bit of a kick and it’s true, there’s something different about it. I already had that buzz from him, it’s an incredible feeling to get round, so to actually win the race was incredible.”

De Bromhead said: “He suffered a setback yesterday so we have taken the decision to retire him.

“He absolutely loved it at Aintree. He’d had a really good season coming up to it, having been placed in a couple of really competitive handicap chases and the McManuses were keen to go for the race. It was an amazing day and one of our best.

“Winning any of those big races is incredible, but the National was an amazing day in its own right and the fact that Rachael was the first woman to win the race made it even better.

“We were bang in the middle of Covid lockdown when we won, unfortunately, but the media attention was still massive.”

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry confirmed it was a shoulder problem.

Rachael Blackmore created history at Aintree in 2021
Rachael Blackmore created history at Aintree in 2021 (David Davies/PA)

He said: “We were looking forward to going to the cross-country at Cheltenham with him and back to the National, but he had a mishap – he hurt his shoulder.

“He might need an operation on it to make him comfortable in retirement. It’s just disappointing.

“He gave us a great day. It’s a real shame because Henry was very happy with him and we were looking forward to getting him back for the cross-country and the National again.

“The handicapper hit him very hard for winning the National and he struggled last year, but he had dropped back down a bit so it’s just unfortunate he’s had the accident. Hopefully he’ll be fine to have a good retirement.

“The season he won the National, Henry had him in great form, he put up two great performances at Leopardstown before Aintree and everything went smoothly there.

“He got a great ride from Rachael on the day and it was a day none of us will every forget.”

Hanlon happy to roll National dice with joint-top weight Hewick

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Trainer Shark Hanlon – Hewick (11st 12lb) and Cape Gentleman (10st 8lb)

“Hewick has a big weight, but he’s used to carrying a big weight. What can we do? There isn’t anything we can do about it. When they’re good they get those weights and that’s it.

“He gave a stone and a half to everything in Listowel (unseated at final fence in Kerry National) so I don’t see why we wouldn’t go again.

“Cape Gentleman’s weight is lovely, I’m very happy with that. I’m delighted with that weight – he’ll think he is loose. I’d say they’ll both run.”

Corach Rambler looks weighted to run a big race
Corach Rambler looks weighted to run a big race (Nigel French/PA)

Trainer Lucinda Russell – Corach Rambler (10st 5lb)

“I’m absolutely delighted with that weight and if we got that in the Grand National, that would be fantastic. He only needs a couple of horses to come out so he’ll probably get a run, so that’s super.

“We haven’t really run him since the Coral Gold Cup so that he could get in the race off this mark.

“He’ll now probably run at Cheltenham (in the Ultima). The big question is going to be if he takes to the fences. I think nowadays the fences are a lot kinder than they were and he’s a very intelligent horse – if he doesn’t take to them we’ll know by the fourth or fifth fence.”

Trainer Nicky Henderson – Mister Coffey (10st 4lb)

“He needs a few still to come out but the plan is to go to the Grand National. He will go to the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham first, where he will be ridden by Derek O’Connor, then on to Aintree.

“He ran in the Topham last season which possibly came a bit quick after his run at Cheltenham but he seemed to enjoy going over the fences and this has always been the plan to come back for a go at the Grand National.”

Harry Skelton and Le Milos at Newbury
Harry Skelton and Le Milos at Newbury (John Walton/PA)

Tom Messenger, assistant to trainer Dan Skelton – Le Milos (10st 11lb) and Ashtown Lad (10st 3lb)

“Le Milos has got a lovely profile and it’s exciting that he’s guaranteed a run. He’s a proven stayer and although he hasn’t been over the fences before, I don’t see it being an issue.

“He’s one we’re really excited about. He won the Coral Gold Cup off 146 so he’s only 6lb higher here. I think he’s off a competitive weight and fingers crossed we get there.

“Ashtown Lad has been running well over hurdles – we’ve been running him over timber since his win in the Becher Chase at Aintree. Ideally we’d have run him over fences last weekend at Ascot but the ground was too quick, so we gave him another run over hurdles (finished third in Rendlesham at Haydock).

“He’s obviously proven his ability over fences, though he didn’t look as though he stayed at Ayr last year in the Scottish Grand National. He’s a year older and stronger now, so he’s got the option of the National or the Topham if he doesn’t get in.”

Trainer Donald McCain – Minella Trump (10st 6lb)

“It’s all about getting in the race and getting a run. Obviously it’s a way off yet, but that’s a lovely racing weight.

“He was very busy for a while and he needed a holiday so he’s had a break and he’s back in fast work now. We’ll try to get a run in somewhere but if we can’t, we’ll get him away from home.

“It’s been an ambition to get Tim (Leslie, owner) a runner in the Grand National, so if we can get there that’s great.

“The modern day Grand National has changed a bit but he stays, he’s a thorough professional and he knows how to win.”

Trainer Kim Bailey – Happygolucky (10st 11lb)

“The plan is to run him next in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Festival. He has always given us the impression he is a very good jumper. He has been quite careful this season but he hasn’t had his ground – ideally he wants proper winter ground.”

Trainer David Pipe – Remastered (10st 10lb)

“Remastered has had a good season. He finished very strongly on his last start over fences at Kempton, then he disappointed at Sandown back over hurdles last time. I’m not really sure what happened that day, but you can put a line through it.

“He is in at Kempton on Saturday and he might go there but wherever he goes he needs to bounce back. If he doesn’t, it might put an outing in the National in doubt.”

Cloudy Glen looks a National type
Cloudy Glen looks a National type (Tim Goode/PA)

Mick Meagher, racing manager to the Hemmings family – Cloudy Glen (10st 4lb)

“I’m very happy with that. It’s essentially the same weight that he carried on Saturday (when third in Grand National Trial at Haydock). I’d say if he got into a rhythm, then why not?

“He’ll probably run at Cheltenham in the Ultima and then we’ll go to Aintree.”

Joe Chambers, racing manager to owners Rich and Susannah Ricci – Royale Pagaille (11st 8lb) and Burrows Saint (10st 12lb)

“Royale Pagaille suffered a little injury during the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, hence why he hasn’t been seen since. I spoke with Venetia (Williams, trainer) last week and he is on track to run in the Gold Cup, albeit without a run.

“He is very ground dependent and in order for him to be seen at his best, he does need it to be as soft as possible. With that being said, he had performed very well in handicaps in the UK and we’ve always thought that a Grand National would suit him.”

Trainer Joe Tizzard – The Big Breakaway (10st 10lb)

“He is running off his mark of 151 and that is a lovely racing weight he has. I don’t think they will go up much at all, so he gets in nicely and he is guaranteed a run.

“The plan is to take him to the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, then on to Aintree afterwards. Last season we struggled with his shins a bit and we tried to get away with it but it didn’t work. We treated them and we haven’t looked back since.”

The Big Dog at Limerick
The Big Dog at Limerick (PA)

Trainer Peter Fahey – The Big Dog (11st 5lb)

“I thought he was going to run a good race at Leopardstown (when falling at the second-last in the Irish Gold Cup), so I’m definitely happy. He’s in the mix and it’s a nice weight for him.

“He’s coming into it with a lot to recommend him and I think it’s the ideal race for him. It’s kind of been the plan all year and it’s nice to have a horse going over for it.”

Trainer Henry de Bromhead – Envoi Allen (11st 8lb) and Chris’s Dream (11st), Ain’t That A Shame (10st 5lb), Gin On Lime (10st 4lb)

“Envoi Allen is in the Ryanair. We’re not sure yet – we’ll see. We haven’t firmed up anything yet.

“Chris’s Dream is going for the Festival Hunters’ Chase and we’ll see from there.

“That weight seems fair enough for Ain’t That A Shame. I’d say we’ll look to get another run in – there are a couple of options or he might just go straight there.

“Gin On Lime’s weight is in and around her mark. I’d say well go for the cross-country at Cheltenham and then go to Aintree.”

Trainer Martin Brassil – Longhouse Poet (11st)

“I think if you’re anywhere around 10st 10lb to 11st 2lb or 11st 3lb then you have a reasonable weight. There are more horses winning with over 11st than there used to be.

“I think the year I won it (Numbersixvalverde, 2006) I had 10st 8lb and I had another horse finish third on about 10st 11lb or 10st 12lb, but the better class of horses are running in it since the course was modified and a lot of them are getting involved in the finish of it.

“Longhouse Poet was sixth in the race last year and he’s going to run this week in the Bobbyjo (Chase).”

Elliott backs Delta Work to lead his Aintree charge

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Delta Work – the horse who foiled Tiger Roll’s fairytale farewell at Cheltenham last season – appears to be Gordon Elliott’s main fancy as the trainer seeks a fourth success in the Randox Grand National.

Third to Noble Yeats last April having narrowly played the role of party pooper against his then stablemate in the cross-country chase, the 10-year-old will be heading to Liverpool with experience under his belt this season.

Having run a fine race over the cross-country course in January, he had a spin over hurdles last time out at Navan when sixth to Blazing Khal and he has been allotted 11st 4lb.

“This has been the plan all season. He has a nice weight for the race and I’m happy with that,” said Elliott.

“We just switched him back to hurdles on his last start to sharpen him up a bit as he had gone a little bit rusty. It was a race we had run Tiger Roll in before he went to Cheltenham and then on to Aintree.

“I thought he ran very well in the National last season behind Noble Yeats. He got a little bit far back early on and he had lots to do. Having had that experience over the fences, we go back there with plenty of confidence and we are looking forward to it.”

Coko Beach (11st) bounced back to form at Punchestown last week in a Grand National Trial but, unfortunately for him, the handicapper had time to reassess the winner of that race this year.

Elliott said: “It was a great run to win the Grand National Trial at Punchestown on Sunday. He jumps great and he enjoyed the ground. He will definitely run in the race.

Coko Beach catapulted himself in the Grand National picture on Sunday
Coko Beach catapulted himself in the Grand National picture on Sunday (Niall Carson/PA)

“I thought it was a good run in the race last year when he finished eighth and he is another we are looking forward to taking back over again.”

Galvin (11st 11lb) has not been at his best so far this term but still finds himself towards the head of the weights.

“He started off the season very well winning a Grade Three at Punchestown but his form has just tapered off a bit. He has just had a little procedure done on his back and he is back working well,” said Elliott.

“The plan is to run him in the cross-country race at Cheltenham then on the National. We sort of thought last season that he could be one for the National as we thought he was probably just lacking a gear for races like the Gold Cup and those sort of Grade One races.

“He seems in good form and we are looking forward to running him in the National. I think he will be fine over the fences.”

Conflated is likely to wait until next year's Grand National
Conflated is likely to wait until next year’s Grand National (Niall Carson/PA)

Conflated (11st 12lb) is joint top-weight along with Any Second Now and Hewick, with Elliott feeling he may be more one for next year with the Gold Cup his main aim this season.

“He will go to Cheltenham first for the Gold Cup and we will see from there whether he will be one for the Grand National this season or next season,” said Elliott.

“He would be a very classy horse to have in the race. I could see him being a horse for the National, but it might be a year too early to run him in the race.”

Ryanair Chase-bound Fury Road (11st 6lb) is another unlikely to run.

“He will probably be a doubtful runner I would say at the moment. We will probably just go for the Ryanair and see after that,” said Elliott.

Pencilfulloflead (10st 12lb) is a possible, though, having finished third in the Thyestes last time out.

“He is a good horse and has a lovely weight on his back. He ran very well in the Thyestes the last day. He is good now, but we just had a few issues with him early on,” said Elliott.

“He is sound now and is in good form. He is on the right side of the 11st mark and is exactly in the sort of place where we want to be in the race. He should enjoy a test like this.”

Farclas (10st 10lb), fifth in 2021 as a seven-year-old, is another in the mix.

Elliott said: “He ran well in the race in 2021 when he finished fifth. The plan was to go there again last year but he got a little setback. He has a lovely weight on his back and all being well, he will go back there this year.”

Of Escaria Ten (10st 10lb), ninth last year, Elliott felt he had a nice weight but failed to see the trip out last season while Dunboyne, second in the Thyestes, would be an ideal type for the race but with only 10st, he might not make the cut.

Battleoverdoyen and Death Duty could also take their chances but Elliott feels Ash Tree Meadow will be better off waiting for next year, while Defi Bleu, Gevrey, Milan Native, Punitive, Fakiera and Mortal are unlikely to get in.

Walsh ‘absolutely shocked’ by Any Second Now’s National weight

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Trainer Ted Walsh was left “absolutely shocked” after Any Second Now was given joint top-weight for this year’s Randox Grand National.

The 11-year-old has finished third and second in the last two renewals of the world’s most famous steeplechase and will bid to make it third time lucky under the welter burden of 11st 12lb next month, after the weights were officially unveiled at an annual event in Liverpool on Tuesday.

Walsh memorably teamed up with his son Ruby to claim Grand National glory with Papillon in 2000, but feels Any Second Now would need to be an “exceptional horse” to add his name to the roll of honour.

“All I can say is that I know he’s not Red Rum, I know he’s not a Crisp and he’s not a L’Escargot, so make your own mind up,” said the trainer.

“I’m absolutely shocked that he has top-weight. He goes there in as good form as he did last year. He is in as good nick as he was last year, but he’s got top-weight so make your own mind up.

“I think he’d have to be an exceptional horse to win it with top-weight.”

Reflecting on his previous National triumph, he added: “Winning with Papillon was great. Winning the National is an outstanding moment, but to have your son on board makes it all the sweeter.”

Any Second Now is joined at the head of the weights by Gordon Elliott’s 2022 Irish Gold Cup victor Conflated and Shark Hanlon’s American Grand National hero Hewick, both of whom are first bound for next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Just below that trio on 11st 11lb are Conflated’s stablemate Galvin and last year’s winner Noble Yeats, trained by Emmet Mullins.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen celebrates winning the Randox Grand National on Noble Yeats
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen celebrates winning the Randox Grand National on Noble Yeats (David Davies/PA)

The latter was last seen finishing third in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham and is now on course for the Gold Cup before an intended bid for back-to-back wins on Merseyside.

Mullins said: “I can’t complain with a rating of 166. It’s 19lb more than last year which will be a big ask, but he seems to have progressed well this year and we know he takes to the fences.

“It’s horses for courses and fingers crossed he can put up a bold show.”

Noble Yeats will aim to become only the second horse in history – after Golden Miller in 1934 – to win the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year. Mullins, though, is not getting ahead of himself.

“It’s definitely one race at a time,” he said. “You don’t think of the accolades but if he is lucky enough to do it, then he’ll get the accolades that he deserves.

“It’s special to have a horse run in those types of races, a Gold Cup or a Grand National, but to have a horse who you know is good enough to compete in them at the business end – that’s the exciting part and what keeps the yard going.

“I would say it hasn’t really fully sunk in, even now. Winning the National on our first try in the race, it has probably been lost on me how much goes into it and how many other years people have been trying to win the race and not succeeded, so I’d say I’ve been spoilt a bit and it’s hard to comprehend what happened. I’m sure one day it’ll hit me.”

Mullins also has JP McManus-owned The Shunter (10st 11lb) entered, and added: “That’s (weight) about right. He’s still not qualified I think, on the distance, so potentially he might have an entry next weekend.

“I have two or three races earmarked before the deadline and, fingers crossed, I pick the right one and get him qualified. The intention will be to take his place then if he gets qualified.”

The British Horseracing Authority’s chase handicapper Martin Greenwood is the man charged with framing the weights and is thrilled with the strength in depth in this year’s renewal.

He said: “This year we are doing well at the top end for horses rated in the 150s and 160s and there are a handful of very good horses entered, including last year’s winner Noble Yeats.

“Noble Yeats has around 20lb more than last year, but his form this season in Graded races is the reason for that. The three horses at the top of the handicap – Conflated, Any Second Now and Hewick – you would think are all quite likely to run and it’s very positive that the quality of the race at the top end of the handicap is well up to standard.

“There weren’t any horses that caused me any particular difficulties this year – they were all more or less straightforward horses.”

With Henry de Bromhead announcing the retirement of 2021 winner Minella Times, a total of 77 horses remain in contention.

Corach Rambler looks a likely Grand National contender
Corach Rambler looks a likely Grand National contender (Nigel French/PA)

Greenwood suggested the likely rating required to make the final field will be “around 142 or 143”. There are three horses rated 142 in Eva’s Oskar, Rapper and Recite A Prayer, who is 57th on the list.

Noble Yeats is the 10-1 favourite with William Hill, who have trimmed the odds of both Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler (10st 5lb) and the Willie Mullins-trained Mr Incredible (10st 4lb).

Spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “Any Second Now looks to have been set a tough task to go one better than his second place finish last year and as a result he has been eased in our betting to 20-1 from 14-1.

“On the flip side both Corach Rambler (14-1 from 16-1) and Mr Incredible (20-1 from 25-1) have been clipped by our traders. Corach Rambler represents a yard in Lucinda Russell who has won the race recently and remains unexposed at extended trips, which look likely to suit.

“Mr Incredible could end up being the all-conquering Willie Mullins’ first string and is unexposed for the yard.”

Brandy back in action at Punchestown

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Leading Cheltenham Festival contender Brandy Love will return from 10 months off the track in the Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday.

The seven-year-old will be a hot favourite to make a successful reappearance in a Grade Three contest Willie Mullins has farmed in recent years, with six of the last seven winners hailing from Closutton.

Brandy Love, who not been seen in competitive action since slamming Cheltenham Festival heroine Love Envoi in the Grade One Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse in April, will sport new colours on her comeback having been snapped up by Gold Cup-winning owners Joe and Marie Donnelly.

She is a 7-2 chance with Paddy Power to provide Mullins with a 10th victory in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and those odds are sure to contract further if she can make a winning return in a race that has previously won by the likes of Annie Power (2016), Limini (2017) and Laurina (2019).

The biggest threat to Brandy Love in the Racing TV-sponsored contest appears to be the Gordon Elliott-trained Queens Brook, who was last seen chasing home another high-class Mullins mare in Shewearsitwell at Leopardstown in December.

John McConnell’s Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Anna Bunina also merits consideration off the back of finishing fourth to Gaelic Warrior in a competitive handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Declan Queally’s pair of My Design and Robyndeglory, the Stuart Crawford-trained Ailie Rose and Rebel Ivy from James Motherway’s yard complete the field.

National hero Minella Times retired after suffering setback

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Minella Times – the horse Rachael Blackmore created history with when becoming the first woman to ride the winner of the Grand National – has been retired following a setback.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead, the 10-year-old was being prepared for the Aintree spectacular once more, but the problem is serious enough for him to miss the April date and as a result connections have called time on his career.

The JP McManus-owned gelding progressed at a rate of knots in the 2020-21 season, finishing second in two of the biggest handicaps of the season at Leopardstown before powering to glory on Merseyside.

Raised 13lb for that success, he subsequently struggled and was brought down at Valentine’s on the first circuit in last year’s race.

Blackmore, not surprisingly, will always remember that famous afternoon in Liverpool.

She told Betfair: “It’s a day I will never forget.

“He is such a special horse to a lot of people, now he will get to enjoy a wonderful well deserved retirement in Martinstown (McManus’ stud in Ireland).

“Henry and all the team in Knockeen did such an incredible job with him and I will always be grateful for that.”

Rachael Blackmore and trainer Henry De Bromhead with the Grand National trophy
Rachael Blackmore and trainer Henry De Bromhead with the Grand National trophy (David Davies/PA)

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said: “We were looking forward to going to the cross-country at Cheltenham with him and back to the National, but he had a mishap – he hurt his shoulder.

“He might need an operation on it to make him comfortable in retirement. It’s just disappointing.

“He gave us a great day. It’s a real shame because Henry was very happy with him and we were looking forward to getting him back for the cross-country and the National again.

“The handicapper hit him very hard for winning the National and he struggled last year, but he had dropped back down a bit so it’s just unfortunate he’s had the accident. Hopefully he’ll be fine to have a good retirement.

“The season he won the National Henry had him in great form, he put up two great performances at Leopardstown before Aintree and everything went smoothly there.

“He got a great ride from Rachael on the day and it was a day none of us will every forget.”

Baker hoping to chart Pertemps path with Mullins recruit

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Jon Snow is pencilled in for his British debut at Chepstow on Saturday, as he looks to book his slot at the Cheltenham Festival.

The French-bred gelding was previously run in the Susannah Ricci silks and trained by Willie Mullins, winning five times over hurdles and fences before changing hands last autumn.

George Baker is now the eight-year-old’s trainer after he topped ThoroughBid’s Autumn Sale at £50,000 and is looking forward to running him for the first time for new connections at the weekend.

Entered in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow, the horse’s performance will determine which race he lines up for when the Festival gets under way at Cheltenham in March.

“All being well, Jon Snow’s entered up at Chepstow in the Pertemps qualifier on Saturday,” said Baker.

“If he finishes in the first four on Saturday and he qualifies for the Pertemps, he’ll go there.

“That’s over the extended trip, the three-mile trip, which I think would suit him.

“If he doesn’t finish in the first four on Saturday then we have the option of the Coral Cup, he will probably run in one or the other of those two – those are my thoughts are the moment.

“Let’s hope he gets through Saturday in good form, we’re pretty excited to get him out on the track.”

Jon Snow is partly owned by Paul Bowden, the same man also involved in the ownership of Flat campaigner Lucander – a horse likely headed for the Winter Derby at Lingfield after a successful bout in the desert of Bahrain.

Few owners can say they have switched their attentions from the Bahrain Flat scene to the Cheltenham Festival in the space of a month, but Baker’s wide-lens approach has paid dividends for connections so far.

He said: “It’s brilliant really, Paul Bowden has been a fantastic supporter of ours.

“You’ve got to make this game fun for the owners and if that means searching for opportunities on foreign shores then that’s great, and it’s also fantastic to be involved in the bigger races back home.”

Leading contender Hip Hop Conti will swerve cross-country challenge

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Hip Hop Conti will skip the Cheltenham Festival despite the French cross-country specialist enhancing his reputation in a Pau Listed event on Sunday.

As short as 7-1 for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, many envisaged the Emmanuel Clayeux-trained six-year-old would attempt to replicate the exploits of Easysland, who lowered the colours of the great Tiger Roll when triumphing for France in the Festival’s most unique contest in 2020.

However, Clayeux is keen to give the son of Lauro plenty of rest following his exertions in the Prix Gaston De Batatille at the weekend, which means embarking on a raiding mission to Prestbury Park is on hold for the time being.

“I’m very happy because I thought he was a bit young for the distance, but he is clearly better than I thought,” said Clayeux.

“The race was run really quick and he didn’t jump very well at the beginning, but he got better and better and finished very quick.”

Explaining the reasoning for missing Cheltenham, he added: “It will come too soon because he had a very hard race.

“He will now come back in October for the next meeting at Pau and not before. He should be better next year.”

Baker could bid to strike while the iron is hot with in-form Lucander

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George Baker may have the BetUK Winter Derby lined up for Lucander after his lucrative spell in Bahrain.

The six-year-old was formerly trained by Ralph Beckett and on changing stables was sent to spearhead Baker’s team of runners targeting valuable contests in Bahrain over the winter months.

His debut in the desert was a winning one as he took the Al Muharraq Cup in early December and last Friday he capped his stay in warmer climes with another success, this time in the Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup – a local Group Two.

The gelding is now in the checking-in stage of his journey home, and if all is well after his flight he will be headed to Lingfield on Saturday to contest the Group Three Winter Derby.

“He will BE jumping on an aeroplane from Bahrain in a few hours’ time, he won the big race over there on Friday and he seems very fresh and bouncy afterwards,” Baker said on Monday afternoon.

“Assuming all is well with him when he gets off the plane and gets back to us tomorrow afternoon, we’ll have a long hard look at Saturday’s race because when a horse is in good form you want to strike again.

“He’ll probably have a break after this, so if all is well we will hope to swing the bat on Saturday and then give him a bit of break after his time away ahead of some mid-summer targets.”

Lucander ran three times on the all-weather for Beckett, never winning but placing on each occasion and doing plenty to suggest the surface will be to his liking.

Baker said: “He hasn’t run on the all-weather for us, we’re still finding out about this horse but what we do know is that he is in great form. It’s probably a massive ask on Saturday but we thought it was a big ask last Friday.

“He’ll only run if we’re very happy with him on Wednesday and Thursday, but the indications are that he’s come out of Friday’s race really well and he’s got some decent form on the all-weather.

“With a horse that’s in good order, why not give it a go?”

Also entered in the race are the John and Thady Gosden trio of Harrovian, Lord North and Forest Of Dean.

The latter two horses bring specific race form to the table, with Lord North second in the race behind Alenquer last season and Forest Of Dean the winner in 2021.

Roger Varian’s striking grey Tyrrhenian Sea is another to stand his ground alongside Simon and Ed Crisford’s Winter Oaks heroine Al Agaila, Andrew Balding’s Foxes Tales, William Knight’s King Of The South and John Ryan’s Pistoletto.