Sendell reassures Kingscliff supporters

Kingscliff’s owner Arnie Sendell insists the gelding is in top trim ahead of a possible crack at the Peter Marsh Chase on Saturday.

The Betfair Chase winner has been the subject of rumours about his well-being after drifting notably on the exchanges ahead of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Trainer Robert Alner has dismissed all the speculation and Sendell is adamant Kingscliff, who is vying for favouritism with Beef Or Salmon in the Gold Cup market, is in good health and ready for his next assignment.

“I can assure you he is very, very well – extremely well in fact,” he said. “Where this has all come from I don’t know.

“It’s not a betting yard at all. I have a bob or two on but I’m not a heavy gambler so I just don’t know where people get this from.

“I was down there (at Alner’s yard) yesterday and there is nothing wrong at all.”

Kingscliff now seems likely to bypass the Letheby & Christopher Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday week in favour of Haydock.

“He’s got a lot of weight (11st 10lb) compared with the rest of them but he’s got to go somewhere as Cheltenham’s a bit on the firm side,” Sendell told At The Races.

“Rob has schooled him, he’s been keen, jumped well and went hunting yesterday.”