Santini and
Delta Work are among nine entries for the Paddy Power
Cotswold Chase at
Cheltenham on Saturday.
The pair finished second and third respectively behind the currently sidelined Topofthegame in the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival and feature in the possibles for the Magners Gold Cup trial.
Nicky Henderson’s Santini made a successful reappearance at Sandown in early November, while the Gordon Elliott-trained Delta Work was last seen claiming his fourth Grade One success in a thrilling Savills Chase at Leopardstown during the festive period.
Both horses are a best-priced 9-1 for the Gold Cup on March 13 and could test their credentials this weekend, although Delta Work appears more likely to stay at home and wait for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on February 2.
Eddie O’Leary, manager for Delta Work’s owners Gigginstown House Stud, said: “I’d say Gordon is just keeping his options open. I think Delta Work is more likely to go back to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup.”
Elliott has also entered Alpha Des Obeaux, while Ellmarie Holden’s stable star Ex Patriot is another potential Irish challenger.
Bristol De Mai is likely to represent Nigel Twiston-Davies, Mick Channon could saddle Mister Whitaker and Colin Tizzard is considering pitching in the novice Slate House.
The latter won the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on his latest appearance.
Slate House has the option of running at Cheltenham on Saturday
Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, said: “He has been entered in the Cotswold Chase and we will look at the race and make a plan.
“Of course this would require another step up as he is only a second-season novice, but he did have that experience over fences last season, which has helped
“It could be a nice option for him, but if the race looks really hot we could go to Ascot for the Reynoldstown or come back to two and a half miles for the Scilly Isles at Sandown.”
The possible field is completed by Emma Lavelle’s Ladbrokes Trophy hero De Rasher Counter and Top Ville Ben from Phil Kirby’s yard.
MISTER WHITAKER HEADS WEIGHTS FOR DONCASTER SHOWPIECE
Mick Channon’s former Cheltenham Festival winner Mister Whitaker tops 21 remaining contenders for the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.
After Monday’s confirmation stage, Mister Whitaker is at the head of the weights with 11st 12lb for the Listed feature over almost three miles.
Also entered in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on the same day, the 2018 Close Brothers hero will have to concede 2lb and upwards if he takes up his weekend engagement on Town Moor, with Nicky Henderson’s ante-post favourite and Marsh Hurdle runner-up L’Ami Serge second in the list.
Henderson has two other possibles, in Ok Corral and the novice Burbank.
Nigel Twiston-Davies, successful last year with Go Conquer, has Count Meribel in the mix this time.
Like Henderson, Alan King has three still in contention – course regular Dingo Dollar, the well-fancied Azzerti and Good Man Pat.
Nicky Richards and Dan Skelton are both potentially double-handed.
Chidswell, who won last year’s Grimthorpe Handicap Chase from Dingo Dollar over an extra two furlongs on Town Moor, and the mare My Old Gold may represent the in-form Cumbrian trainer.
Skelton’s hopes are Cobra De Mai and, nearer the foot of the weights, Shannon Bridge.
Sametegal is Paul Nicholls’ sole confirmation, from the 11-time champion trainer’s six initial entries.
Others of note still in the equation for Doncaster’s historic prize are Venetia Williams’ Calipto and Sue Smith’s recent Haydock winner Ravenhill Road.