Powell launches dual Gold raid

Brendan Powell is looking for solid performances from his two runners in the totesport.com Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

The Upper Lambourn trainer saddles Sir Bathwick and Money Order, who are both near the bottom of the weights.

Sir Bathwick has not raced since finishing a distant third behind Gone To Lunch on this course two months ago.

“Sir Bathwick ran a very good race two runs ago at Kempton where he was second in a very decent handicap (to Laskari),” said Powell.

“Then last time he was outclassed in a three-miler at Newbury, but he wasn’t 100%. He’s off a nice weight, he’ll like the track, he’ll like the ground and he’s in good form.”

Money Order only returned to action last month after being on the sidelines for 14 months with a shoulder problem.

“Two and a half miles is probably too short for him really but off this weight - he’s not the biggest horse in the world – we thought we’d get some experience into him here rather than hump 12st somewhere,” Powell remarked.

“He niggled a shoulder when he won up at Bangor and we just couldn’t get him right. He is a nice horse for the future and JP (McManus) said to give him time.

“He seems in good form. In an ideal world he’d want three miles plus but we’ve got to go somewhere with him.”