Bievre booked for Conti clash
The eight-year-old was one of the real stars of the French chasing scene in the spring of 2010, but he has run just once since and that was in a hurdle race at Auteuil back in September 2011.
George has been impressed with what the Cadoudal gelding, who holds a Gold Cup entry, has produced on his Down Farm gallops this term.
“He’s had a good preparation and we’ve been delighted with everything he’s done at home since he joined us about four months ago,” said George.
“He was a very high-class horse in France. He actually had a mark of 172 over there but they’ve dropped him to 160 because he’s been off the track a year and a half.
“Racing is a lot different over here and we’ll learn a lot more about him on Saturday.
“We’ve always got going back to France with him up our sleeve if we need to go that way.
“We’re really looking forward to running him on Saturday. It should be an exciting day.”
Mail De Bievre is one of nine entered for this weekend’s three-mile Grade Two, with the star name leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Silviniaco Conti.
The Paul Nicholls inmate ran away with the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on his seasonal return before beating former Gold Cup hero Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.
Nicky Henderson revealed on Monday that Long Run would not be lining up at Newbury as initially planned, but the Seven Barrows handler may still be represented, with Master Of The Hall engaged.
Last year’s Gold Cup runner-up The Giant Bolster ran well behind Silviniaco Conti at Haydock and could renew rivalries, but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
He also has the option of running in a handicap at Warwick on Saturday.
Peterborough Chase winner Menorah could tackle three miles for the first time for Philip Hobbs, while the entries are completed by Weird Al, Junior, Restless Harry and Little Josh.
