A fast pace is important to Grands Crus and I believe the Gold Cup is the best option for him because the RSA generally tends to be more tactical and potentially more hazardous," said Stanley.
"The quicker they go the better our horse jumps. I'd rather him jump round safely in the Gold Cup and finish third than go for the RSA. We'd then know exactly where we stand for 2013."
Am I the only one who thinks this horse is screaming for a drop in trip? I don't see him coming up the hill too strongly at the end of three and a quarter miles. Everything the owner says above should have him concluding that the horse must be worth a go at shorter. If he was mine I'd definitely run him in the VC Chase to see where we are...in a division that has nothing of note this side of the water. The one thing you have to do in a Championship race at Cheltenham is come up the hill. Hope this lad isn't One Man mark II, but I'm worried.
Staying 3 miles around kempton against novices is nothing like 26.5 furlongs at Cheltenham, especially against seasoned older horses.
And I agree with his speed, he does not want the 3m2f trip of either the RSA or GC. Nothing in his running suggests he wants further.
A reckless decision if they go for the GC.Staying 3 miles around kempton against novices is nothing like 26.5 furlongs at Cheltenham, especially against seasoned older horses.And I agree with his speed, he does not want the 3m2f trip of either the RS