Kingscliff has Gold intentions

Kingscliff is likely to be aimed at the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup without a prep run.

The 10-year-old is currently enjoying a mid-winter break in Cornwall after finishing a distant last behind Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase when trying for back-to-back wins in the Haydock feature.

Trainer Robert Alner said: “Kingscliff is having a winter holiday and comes back next week and I shouldn’t think he’d run before the Gold Cup perhaps – he runs well when he’s fresh.

“He’s on holiday in Cornwall swimming, having a few weeks doing something totally different.

“The owner (Arnie Sendell) has put him with a friend of his who’s got an equine swimming pool.”

Kingscliff is 50-1 with the sponsors for the Gold Cup on March 16, while Alner also reported The Listener, his number one hope for the blue riband prize, to be in top form.

“He’s absolutely fine and on course for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown next month,” added the trainer.

The Listener leapt into the Gold Cup picture with an all-the-way eight-length win over Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and is generally available at 12-1 for the Cheltenham showpiece.