Dunguib in Champion Hurdle frame
The seven-year-old was sent off at odds-on to maintain his unbeaten record over obstacles in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham but, having chartered a wide course, he could only finish third behind Menorah.
While he could again line up against the novices in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle three days earlier, Fenton admits the big one on April 23 is tempting.
“Dunguib is in great form, absolutely bouncing,” said Fenton.
“We have two options for Punchestown and are not ruling out the Champion Hurdle on the Friday. It is not as strong a race as you might expect so we will have a close look at it before making a decision.”
Meanwhile, Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander will face just four rivals in the totesport Bowl at Aintree tomorrow.
Nigel Twiston Davies-trained nine-year-old was a brilliant winner of steeplechasing’s blue riband at the Cheltenham Festival, and will now bid to sign off his season with a third career Grade One victory.
The two horses re-opposing from the Gold Cup line-up are
Carruthers, who shaped with promise to finish fourth, and Henrietta Knight’s Calgary Bay, who was sixth.
Paul Nicholls’ top two chasing stars Kauto Star and Denman are not in attendance, but the champion trainer is still represented by What A Friend, off the track since winning the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The field is completed by Tom George’s Nacarat, who was a brave second in the Racing Post Chase in February.
“He runs on Thursday and AP (McCoy) rides him,” said George.
