Jewson could be lucky for O’Neill

ISN’T That Lucky qualified for an outing at Cheltenham with success at Stratford on Monday and trainer Jonjo O’Neill believes Ritchie McGrath’s mount could run a “blinder” in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The six-year-old only made the cut thanks to his 16-length victory over Pacha D’Oudairies, the only other finisher in a four-horse contest.

“We had to run Isn’t That Lucky at Stratford to make sure he got into this race and he is in great order,” said O’Neill, whose yard is sponsored by Jewson.

“He picked up the 5lb penalty we needed on Monday. He’s in very good form and could run a blinder.”

The Jackdaws Castle trainer is also hoping for a good run from his other runner, Kia Kaha.

The seven-year-old, owned by JP McManus and the mount of Tony McCoy, has won two of his last three starts at Ludlow and Fakenham, but came down three out in between at Taunton.

“He is in good form and likes good ground,” O’Neill went on.

“He is in great old shape and if all goes to plan and he gets a smooth passage through the race then he has a very good chance of putting up a good show.”

Course and distance winner Ring the Boss heads the weights and represents trainer Philip Hobbs as does Pancake, a winner at Kempton last month.

A six-strong Irish contingent includes the Tony Martin-trained Northern Alliance, Edward O’Grady’s Tranquil Sea and Charlie Swan’s Slash And Burn.

Noel Meade’s Jaamid, Arthur Moore’s Back On The Road and Bohemian Lass from Bill Harney’s stable complete the Irish challenge.