Bear festival target undecided

Connections of Straw Bear are likely to leave it late before making a decision on which race the horse will tackle at Cheltenham.

The five-year-old, owned by JP McManus, has won both his races over hurdles and is entered for the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over an extended two miles and the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs at the Festival.

“He’ll go straight to Cheltenham. We’ll leave it a bit longer before making our mind up. He’s absolutely flying,” said trainer Nick Gifford.

“It’s getting too close to Cheltenham now and Tony (McCoy) reckons he doesn’t need another run so we’re going straight there.

“I imagine we’ll leave the decision until fairly late and see what the ground does.

“We may leave him in both races at the five-day stage but I’ll have a chat with Frank (Berry, the owner’s racing manager) before but I don’t really know yet.”

Straw Bear is generally available at 10-1 for the Supreme Novices’ and 20-1 for the SunAlliance.