RUNNING plans in two of the key races over the holiday period remained uncertain yesterday as Edward O'Grady kept his options open over Sound Man.
The gelding was yesterday one of eight acceptors for the £30,000 Castleford Chase at Wetherby next Friday. He also still holds the entry for the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
O'Grady has already indicated that Sound Man is set to miss the Kempton showpiece and Wetherby is also unlikely. "At this stage I'd have to say that you won't be seeing Sound Man in either race," said O'Grady.
"The entry for the Wetherby race was made a few days ago but we are not considering running him there at the moment but I will be having further talks with the owners.
The trainer stressed that there was a still a slight chance that Sound Man could go to Kempton. "If something untoward was to happen to One Man then we might change our minds," he said.
Richard Dunwoody's decision to desert Sound Man and partner One Man was cited by part owner David Lloyd as one of the main reasons why the Irish horse was a probable Kempton absentee.
The jockey's availability could also enter the equation in the unlikely event that Sound Man is aimed at the Wetherby race.
At present, Dunwoody is planning to go to Kempton on Friday where his rides would include Alderbrook in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle.
"The way Christmas falls this year everyone's trying to make their plans a fair way in advance but it's difficult to analyse all the options properly," said Dunwoody's agent Robert Parsons.
"I can understand Edward's problem as it's hard to place top class horses like Sound Man there just isn't enough suitable races. I would think we'll be talking to Edward tomorrow and we'll take things from there."
Alderbrook, a late withdrawal from the `Fighting Fifth' Hurdle last month is among 16 entries for the Christmas Hurdle. The opposition could include a three pronged challenge consisting of Castle Sweep, Escartefigue and Zabadi from the David Nicholson stable.
"At this stage I'm not sure although all three could run," said Nicholson.
Escartefigue, trained by Martin Pipe last season, finished second to Alderbrook in the Scottish Champion Hurdle.
And Nicholson said. "I've had Escartefigue for three months but he doesn't show much at home. He and the other two both want good to soft ground.
"Kempton hasn't had any rain and we're going to need some over the next week."
Nicholson confirmed that Viking Flagship is on target for the Castleford Chase. The gelding was an easy winner when the race was last staged two years ago.
"Viking Flagship is fit and well and he runs with Adrian Maguire in the saddle," said Nicholson.
. Belmont King hardened further in the betting yesterday for the Coral Welsh National as 20 horses accepted for the stamina test. The sponsors shaved half a point off Paul Nicholls' gelding and now make him the 7 to 2 favourite for the race next Friday.
With the top five in the handicap all defecting, Moorcroft Boy, with out a run this season, is left heading the weights. Last season's Scottish Grand National winner was allotted 10st 6lb but there will be a weights rise of 1lb taking him up to 11st 7lb.
The race looks wide open and the Tote make Fellow Countryman, trained by Kim Bailey, their favourite quoting him at 9 to 2. Ladbrokes, who opened a book on the race for the first time yesterday, bracket Belmont King and Fellow Countryman on 4 to 1.
