Somersby set for Creek challenge

SOMERSBY is on course to take his chance in the rearranged Keith Prowse Hospitality Tingle Creek Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Last season’s Arkle Trophy runner-up made a pleasing return to action when third in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and his trainer Henrietta Knight does not see the switch from Sandown to Cheltenham as a big negative.

“The plan is for him to run as long as it takes place,” said Knight.

“He obviously ran well in the Arkle so Cheltenham isn’t a problem for him and the extra week won’t inconvenience him either as I’m not worried about his fitness.

“It all depends on the weather really, so we’ll have to see.

“We haven’t really had any snow in the yard so we’ve kept the gallop open all the time, but we have ice and freezing fog to contend with now.

“It’s horrible and the owners get frustrated, but we just have to get on with it.”

Somersby is one of 11 possible runners following the fresh entry stage for the Group One contest.

Paul Nicholls has once again entered Master Minded and Twist Magic and has interestingly also given Poquelin an entry in the race.