Racing: Celestial Gold is set to go straight for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup without the benefit of a prep run.
The Martin Pipe-trained 2004 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner has not raced since finishing seventh behind Kicking King in chasing’s blue riband last March.
He was taken out of Newbury’s Aon Chase at the overnight declaration stage because of the ground, with owner David Johnson relying instead on Comply Or Die.
"I had a multiple entry (in the Aon). I didn’t want to run them all. I’m not sure if racing will be on and the ground will probably be a bit on the quick side tomorrow," said Johnson. "It will suit Comply Or Die. We have decided to go straight to Cheltenham with Celestial Gold. That’s the plan at the moment.
"He won’t lack anything in fitness at Cheltenham. It will only be a question of if he’s good enough.I think he’s the best chance I’ve had in the Gold Cup and I don’t really want to go there tomorrow and the ground be a bit too quick for him and spoil him for Cheltenham.
"I’ve waited this long so another couple of weeks is not going to make much difference."
Celestial Gold is 10-1 with the sponsors for the blue riband on March 17th. The two market leaders are set to be in action at the weekend, however, with Monkerhostin running in the Aon and Beef Or Salmon contesting the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.