Racing: Foxchapel may miss Hennessy test

Foxchapel King may bypass next month’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown and go straight for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup without another race.

The fast-improving eight-year-old, unbeaten this season and who landed the Ericsson Chase at the Irish track last month on his latest start, has been a popular choice in the Cheltenham betting for each-way punters in recent weeks.

Trainer Mouse Morris confirmed that his charge was a definite runner at Cheltenham but only ‘‘50-50’’ to run in the Hennessy on February 10.

‘‘I’ve got worries about the ground and whether the two races might just come a bit quick for him,’’ Morris said.

‘‘He certainly wouldn’t run at Leopardstown if it was soft or heavy as there would be no point. It’s very wet over here at the moment.

‘‘But the Gold Cup is definitely on the cards for him. He’s about the only one in the betting that hasn’t blotted his copybook so far this season.

‘‘Cheltenham is what we are dreaming of and he has won round there before so it won’t be a problem if it is good ground.’’

Foxchapel King is a 20-1 chance with William Hill for the Gold Cup.

Among his victims this season is Florida Pearl, who boosted the form in no uncertain terms when landing the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton.