Wave Rock set for Cheltenham date

Wave Rock is likely to be targeted at the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham next month.

The Philip Hobbs-trained eight-year-old was third to Cyfor Malta in last year’s running when the race was known as the Thomas Pink Gold Cup.

“Wave Rock might well run again in the Paddy Power Gold Cup,” Hobbs commented.

“He has been placed plenty of times and he was a bit unfortunate when he unseated his rider when three lengths clear after the second last at Sandown in April.

“He’s been a little bit unlucky.”

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the highlight of the three-day Open Festival, which runs from November 14 to November 16, at Cheltenham.

Wave Rock has not raced since May of this year, but Hobbs reports the gelding to have done well over the summer, adding: “Wave Rock is fine but, like all of these handicappers, it is difficult to place them to win too many races.”