Grands Crus’ connections still considering his participation in the King George VI Chase
The recent failures of the David Pipe trained, Grands Crus, have not disappointed his connections to an extent that they would keep the seven-year-old away from the Grade 1 King George VI Chase at Kempton. With the now retired legend, Kauto Star, many stables
will try to give the race a shot even if it means falling somewhere in the frame of the first three positions.
The connections of the winner of the Grade 1 williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase twelve months ago, do not want to make a hasty decision about Grands Crus’ participation in the King George. They plan to run him only if the grey gelding is up to a 100%.
Stanley said: "I don't think he's in full swing yet, but he's very well and I think David's very happy with him. He's fit, but we want to see the real Grands Crus come back. It's testament to the novices of last year that they have done so well and we want
to be part of it, but he won't run if he's less than 100%."
His last two races at Cheltenham have seen him missing the former form.
Dom Alco’s French grey gelding ended fourth in the Grade 1 RSA Chase on 14th March, 2012 at Cheltenham over three miles and half a furlong.
The race was dominated by the Nicky Henderson trained Bobs Worth who won the Hennessy Gold Cup right at the beginning of his 2012 campaign.
The seven-year-old out of, Fee Magic, was then pulled up from the Grade 3 Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase on 17th November, 2012 at Cheltenham over two miles and 4 ½ furlongs.
The title was taken away by the Paul Nicholls’ conditioned, Al Ferof.
Grands Crus will find the same opponent in the field of the King George VI Chase too as trainer, Paul Nicholls, has decided to send the Gold Cup Chase winner along with Kauto Star’s half-brother, Kauto Stone.
He said: "Ruby Walsh has ridden Al Ferof through his career and the plan was for him to ride, and Daryl won on Kauto Stone at Down Royal. Daryl will ride if he can get off the suspension, but if he can't, then we'll find the best available.”
Nicky Henderson has prepared for the race with, Riverside Theatre and the 2011 winner of the race, Long Run.
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