Sport

Coome Hill to avoid One Man

COOME HILL is set to duck a confrontation with One Man ate Cheltenham on Saturday

Wed Jan 22 1997 - 00:00

COOME HILL is set to duck a confrontation with One Man ate Cheltenham on Saturday. Permit-holder Walter Dennis is concerned that a decent performance from Coome Hill in the Pillar Property Investments Chase will ruin his handicap mark.

He is now contemplating a switch to Sandown's Agfa Diamond Chase the following weekend. "If we were to run well against One Man he could end up with lumps more weight in the future and that probably isn't a good idea," said Dennis.

"It would make much more sense to run him at Sandown in a handicap."

The prevailing ground conditions are also against Coome Hill tackling Saturday's contest.

READ MORE

"Having listened to the forecast there doesn't seem to be much rain about so it looks like the ground wouldn't be suitable anyway," said Dennis.

"Coome Hill is very well and worked this morning in his usual manner. I'm just hoping we get some rain now."

Coome Hill had also been mentioned as a possible for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday week.

But Dennis added: "The same goes for that race as the Cheltenham race. If we were we to run well there it wouldn't do his handicap rating any good."

Coome Hill is among eight entries for Saturday's important Gold Cup trial race.

With the Hennessy Cognac, Gold Cup winner a probable absentee, One Man is unlikely to face a severe test.

But an interesting possible rival is Challenger du Luc who, along with Glen Mirage, was put in the race when it was reopened this morning.

Challenger du Luc is second favourite with the sponsors for the Ladbroke Trophy Handicap Chase on the same card.

A spokeswoman for his trainer Martin Pipe said: "Martin will be studying both races nearer the time before he makes a decision."

Richard Dunwoody partnered Challenger du Luc when he won the Murphy's Gold Cup over the course and distance in November.

But, with Dunwoody set to partner One Man, Pipe will need another jockey if Challenger du Luc tackles the Pillar Chase.

Tony McCoy, who is riding regularly for Pipe now, is a possible replacement, although Norman Williamson was in the saddle when Challenger du Luc fell in the Hennessy.