Aintree hero Bobbyjo was yesterday well backed for next Saturday's Whitbread Gold Cup with bookies Coral, who shortened him from 6 to 1 to clear 5 to 1 favourite.
Ratoath trainer Tommy Carberry, who finished third in a charity race at Leopardstown yesterday, confirmed that Bobbyjo remains on course for Saturday's race.
"He's heading that way," the trainer said. "He has taken the race at Aintree very well."
The David Nicholson-trained Call It A Day was also supported in Coral's telephone betting area and is now a 6 to 1 chance from 8 to 1.
"Bobbyjo has been the best backed horse since we opened our Whitbread betting last week", reported Simon Clare, Coral Spokesman. "His supporters in the Grand National are clearly playing up their winnings on him doing a historic Whitbread/National double", added Clare.
Paul Nicholls revealed yesterday that he is to rest Grand National first fence faller Double Thriller, who will now miss next Saturday's Whitbread.
Whitbread Gold Cup: Coral bet- ting: 5-1 Bobbyjo (from 6-1), 6-1 Call It A Day (from 8-1), 8-1 Baronet, 10-1 Boss Doyle, 12-1 Bettys Boy, 14-1 Fine Thyne, Papillon, 16-1 Glebe Lad, Callisoe Bay, Jathib, Random Harvest, Step On Eyre, 20-1 bar.
