Michael Hourigan yesterday revealed Beef Or Salmon to be in rude health after his third victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown. The nine-year-old's odds to win the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup were slashed to as low as 7 to 1 after he recorded a highly impressive four-length success from War Of Attrition in the three-mile feature at the Irish venue.
Hourigan is now plotting another tilt at the Cheltenham highlight next March. He said: "He's perfect. He's come out of the race brilliantly and is in the paddock sunning himself as we speak. He was really good yesterday and that was the best he's jumped for two years - since before he fell at Cheltenham in his first Gold Cup.
"The Hennessy in February is now the plan and then after that, hopefully the Gold Cup again. He deserves to go back there for another shot at it because he's really well in himself."
Paul Nolan is considering giving Irish Independent Arkle Trophy favourite Accordion Etoile a prep race at home rather than returning to England ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. The Co Wexford handler's six-year-old is as short as 5 to 1 for the two-mile novice championship after staying on strongly to nail Tamarinbleu at Prestbury Park last month.
"He is in great shape and it is more than likely that if the ground is suitable he will run in Ireland rather than going back to England," said Nolan. "He could go for the Irish Arkle but that may come too soon given the level of fitness he is at at the moment. He could go for a conditions event failing that just to give him more experience."
Nolan's other stable star, last year's Galway Hurdle winner Cloone River, will return to England in the near future with a crack at the Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham on January 28th on the cards.
"Touch wood he is in good shape and if it all goes to plan he will run in the Victor Chandler," added Nolan. "He has done a nice couple of pieces of work but will do a stronger piece soon. He will go to the Curragh again next week and will have a tour somewhere to try him over fences, which will hopefully leave him spot on."
Solerina is to revert to a shorter trip after finding three miles too far when only fourth at Leopardstown on Wednesday. The Cedar Building Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs at Naas on January 21st will be the next race for the popular mare, who failed to add to her 18 wins over jumps in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle.
After assuming her customary front-running role, she had no more to give in the closing stages and was beaten a total of four and a half lengths behind Rosaker in the Grade Two contest. However, the eight-year-old was reported to be none the worse today. "She's perfect, she's eaten up and has shown no ill effects," said trainer James Bowe's son and assistant Michael Bowe.
"We were totally flabbergasted. She obviously doesn't stay three miles. It's not her favourite track and she's not a three-mile mare."
Haydock and Taunton officials are keeping their fingers crossed for the predicted overnight thaw to materialise ahead of their fixtures today. Haydock have called an 8.0am inspection while Taunton will look at 7.0am in the morning after a widespread icy blast claimed all jump racing yesterday.
