Endeavour primed for Cheltenham run
David Pipe is intending to run Great Endeavour in the Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup at Cheltenham this weekend.
The David Johnson-owned grey landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month and also ran a screamer when fourth in the Hennessy at Newbury as his stamina just ran out close home.
He is due to return to two miles and five furlongs for this weekend’s Prestbury Park feature, in which he finished second to Poquelin 12 months ago.
Pipe has also left in last Saturday’s Tingle Creek fourth I’msingingtheblues, Matuhi, who was brought down in the Galway Plate when last seen, and Salut Flo, off the track since just failing to bring up the hat-trick over 600 days ago.
“I left four in the Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup and the intention is to run them all if possible,” said Pipe.
“Great Endeavour won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and then two weeks later ran in the Hennessy and now a further two weeks on is going to run at Cheltenham, which is not ideal, but he seems well at home and it looks likely he will take his chance.
“I’msingingtheblues ran a cracking race in the Tingle Creek. Both Great Endeavour and I’msingingtheblues will like the better ground at Cheltenham and so will Matuhi.
“Salut Flo has been off a long time and he is the one who would appreciate some rain before the weekend.”
With Great Endeavour being given the green light, it means the first three from the Paddy Power will all meet again as Ferdy Murphy’s Divers (third) is on target along with runner-up Quantitativeeasing.
The latter is more likely to represent Henderson than stablemate Nadiya De La Vega.
“Both of mine are JP’s (owner J P McManus) and I would have thought only one of them will run and that is most likely to be Quantitativeeasing,” said Henderson.
“He ran a great race in the Paddy Power and has been very well since. I could have done without him going up in the ratings but otherwise I am happy with the horse.”
Poquelin would have been going for a third successive win in the race but owner Andy Stewart, who sponsors the race, revealed on Sunday that he had met with a small setback and would not be running.
Stewart could still have a few strings to his bow, however, as he owns Ghizao in partnership with Johnson and has Tatenen and Nomecheki still engaged.
The weights are due to go up 4lb in Poquelin’s absence with stablemate Woolcombe Folly at the head of affairs.
The Irish, last successful with Sir Oj in 2005, have three chances – Roberto Goldback, recent Naas winner Quel Esprit and Finger Onthe Pulse, who landed the 2010 Galway Plate.
Quantitativeeasing is 11-2 favourite with Stan James ahead of Great Endeavour and Ghizao at 8-1.
Stan James’ Rory Jiwani said: “JP McManus’ horse would certainly be an appropriate winner in this economic climate, and he’s only been raised 1lb for his second place behind Great Endeavour.
“David Pipe’s charge is the 8-1 joint second favourite for this race just two weeks after his fourth place in the Hennessy.
“Havingotascoobydoo has been well backed in recent days with his price tumbling from 20-1 to 12-1. Martin Keighley’s novice ran well behind Tanks For That at Cheltenham last month and punters have not been put off by a 5lb hike from the handicapper.
“Willie Mullins’ Quel Esprit leads the Irish challenge and has been supported in from 12-1 to 10-1. If his jumping stands up to scrutiny, he will be a danger to all in what looks set to be a competitive renewal.”
Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup, Stan James bet: 11-2 Quantitativeeasing, 8-1 Great Endeavour, Ghizao, 9-1 Divers, 10-1 Quel Esprit, 12-1 bar.
