Morris waits on Attrition target
Runner-up to Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase when last seen in December, the seven-year-old is a general 12-1 chance for the Gold Cup, although connections are also considering an alternative engagement.
“We haven’t made a decision just yet and we will wait until we see the confirmations,” said Morris. “At this stage he will probably be declared (at the five-day stage) for both races.”
War Of Attrition, who is owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, has yet to prove his stamina over the Gold Cup trip having finished second on his only try at three miles.
However, last year’s Arkle favourite did beat Kicking King over two miles and six furlongs earlier in the season and completed his preparations when working with stablemate and Queen Mother Champion Chase contender Fota Island last week.
“Everything has gone well with him so far and both him and Fota Island went for a gallop at Gowran Park last week, which was their final serious piece of work,” added Morris.
Meanwhile, Celestial Gold, unraced since last year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, enjoyed a racecourse spin at Exeter yesterday.
Trainer Martin Pipe took the eight-year-old to the Devon venue for a gallop ahead of next Friday’s Cheltenham Festival feature.
“Jonothan Lower rode Celestial Gold and he galloped around one circuit of the Exeter track just to sharpen him up - Jonothan said he worked very well and he was very pleased with him,” said assistant trainer Chester Barnes.
“It should’ve blown out any cobwebs that might have been there. He worked on the bridle all the way.”
Celestial Gold won both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup last March but has not been seen since finishing seventh behind Kicking King 12 months ago.
Nicky Richards has confirmed his stable star Monet’s Garden is likely to take his chance in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy - as long as there is cut in the ground.
The eight-year-old grey has two effortless victories to his name over fences this season, but it had been thought he would bypass the meeting in favour of the Aintree Grand National Meeting.
