Gold Cup target for Gift
The 2004 Stayers’ Hurdle hero won his first three novice chases this season before suffering a shock reverse when beaten by subsequent Feltham Chase winner Darkness at Newbury in November.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding is now only 16-1 with sponsors totesport following the news last year’s winner Kicking King is injured and will not be defending his crown in March.
“If he’s fit enough to go to Cheltenham he’ll go for the Gold Cup and not the Royal & SunAlliance,” said Lester.
Lester also revealed the defection of several of the main contenders for jumping’s premier prize had no bearing on his thinking.
“Irrespective of what has happened to Kicking King and Trabolgan, the plan has always been in the back of our minds to go for the Gold Cup if we’re fit enough,” added the Nantwich publican.
“And there is definitely no reverting back to hurdles.
“As far as I’m concerned, we will be entered for one race at Cheltenham and that’s the Gold Cup.
“He’s had four novice chases and although he’s not as experienced over fences as he was over hurdles, I just think this could be his year.”
