Racing News: Foxchapel King is "more than likely" to run in the attheraces Gold Cup at Sandown tomorrow, trainer Mouse Morris said yesterday.
The 10-year-old, who will shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb in the £150,000 contest, is also engaged in the Punchestown Heineken Gold Cup next Wednesday.
But Morris said: "He doesn't mind good ground and is more than likely to run at Sandown - it's a big pot.
"First Gold and Harbour Pilot don't look as though they are going to run and they were the two who were well-in with me.
"The horse is in great fettle and David Casey will ride."
Morris saddled Cahervillahow to be first past the post in the race 12 years ago, when it was known as the Whitbread Gold Cup, only for the horse to be demoted to second in favour of Docklands Express following a lengthy stewards' inquiry.
"I'm out for revenge this time," joked the County Tipperary trainer.
Meanwhile, Martin Pipe has confirmed that last year's winner, Bounce Back, will try to defend his crown at Sandown.
"Bounce Back is a definite runner and we are looking for the same result as last year when he won!" said Pipe. "Royal Predica is also a definite runner, as is Burlu."
The Pond House trainer also has a number of other runners engaged in the contest, but decisions on their participation have yet to be made. Pipe added: "Royal Auclair probably needs rain to run, while Stormez's participation depends on what Mr Johnson, his owner, wants to do and what happens with the top weights.
"You're Agoodun does not run, Take Control is doubtful while we are in discussion with the owners of Iznogoud and Carryonharry."
Pipe also revealed that stable jockey Tony McCoy is yet to make a decision on which horse he will partner at Sandown. "We are all waiting to find out which horse A P McCoy is going to ride," he added.
"He will probably not decide until Friday when we have a better idea of the weights and also the runners."
Meanwhile, a decision on Florida Pearl's participation in the Punchestown Heineken Gold Cup on Wednesday has yet to be made, trainer Willie Mullins said today.
The 11-year-old landed the Punchestown feature last year - his ninth triumph at Grade One level - but has failed to win this season and ran poorly on his most recent start when dropped to two miles in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival.
"He is entered at Punchestown but I haven't made up my mind whether I'm going to run him or not," Mullins said. "He's not really showing his old sparkle. He just seems to be having an off year. He hasn't got that spark back."
"I'll do my best to get him there.
A total of 18 horses remain in the Grade One contest after yesterday's forfeit stage including Beef Or Salmon, who was a leading fancy for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup only to come to grief at the third fence, and Francois Doumen's back-to-form chaser First Gold. Cheltenham Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot is still in the race along with the Ted Walsh-trained duo Commanche Court and Rince Ri. The four British entries are Hussard Collonges, Killusty, See More Business and Young Spartacus.
