Lacdoudal to represent Hobbs

Lacdoudal is likely to be Philip Hobbs’ sole representative in the Robin Cook Memorial Trophy at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Made In Japan, who finished eighth behind Contraband in this year’s Arkle, is also entered for the two-mile-five-furlong chase but the Minehead handler is instead leaning towards running the five-year-old in the Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase earlier on the card.

“I’d say he (Made In Japan) would probably run in the two-mile race (the Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap) what with the rain forecast,” said Hobbs.

“He’s been fine since his last run and we are happy with him.”

Hobbs should still have a strong hand in the race, however, after Lacdoudal delighted connections with a classy display at Sandown last Friday.

The Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase runner-up made most of the running to record a six-length success from My Will in the extended three-mile John Smith’s Future Stars Chase to register his seventh victory in 21 starts over obstacles.

And although Lacdoudal must shoulder a 6lb penalty for that victory, Hobbs revealed his six-year-old is in good nick ahead of the race.

“Everything’s okay after Friday and we intend to run him – he’s fine,” added the trainer.

“He’s not done much since that race we’ve just kept him ticking over.”

Hobbs’ gelding is currently an 8-1 chance with sponsors totesport to win the Grade Three contest at Prestbury Park.