Car to swerve Cheltenham

Caracciola is set to concentrate largely on the Flat again this season after Nicky Henderson ruled the old stager out of the Cheltenham Festival.

Piers Pottinger’s gelding is now 13 and has amazingly not scored over hurdles since 2005.

He has, however, come into his own on the level, winning the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot, the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and finishing fourth in the Goodwood Cup on his last start.

“He won’t go to Cheltenham and to really enjoy running over hurdles he has to have fast ground,” said Henderson.

“We will have a look at Ayr or somewhere similar before he goes back on the Flat.

“His main aim is the Queen Alexandra.”