Transcend not certain for Newcastle

Good ground at Newcastle has put Lord Transcend’s eagerly-awaited return to the track in jeopardy.

Howard Johnson’s eight-year-old is entered for the Pagebet Rehearsal Chase at Gosforth Park, which would be his first outing since winning the Peter Marsh Chase by 10 lengths at Haydock in January.

However, owner Graham Wylie revealed the grey gelding may not line up for the three-mile contest unless there is significant rainfall between now and the weekend.

“He’s entered but it just depends on the ground,” Wylie told At The Races. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed though and we’ll know on Friday.

“He’s fine after the summer. He’s been in the Jacuzzi everyday. He likes that and he looks fit.

“But we’ve just got to pick the right race for him.”

Wylie admits there are limited options for Lord Transcend, who has won six of his nine races over obstacles, if he does not take his chance in the Rehearsal Chase.

“I’d leave it to Howard (to make a decision),” he added. “He mentioned the Welsh National, but the horse likes soft ground and a left-handed track so there’s not many races for him.

“Howard’s got it (a gameplan) in his head but he’s not telling anybody.”