Somersby’s participation in Queen Mother Champion subject to weather, says Henrietta Knight
Trainer Henrietta Knight is yet to make a final decision on Somersby’s participation in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, scheduled to take place at Cheltenham in March, 2012.
Despite confirming Somersby’s involvement in Ryanair Chase, the trainer refrained from making a clear call on Queen Mother Champion Chase.
She described that even though, the connections would love to see, Somersby, running in the high profile competition, the decision will be made after examining the track conditions.
Henrietta Knight explained that considering the unpredictability of the British weather, it is quite hard to make an early decision.
However, she elucidated that the eight-year-old would definitely be a part of Queen Mother Champion Chase, if the racecoruse stays soft.
"The Ryanair is my favourite for him but if it came up soft we'd think of the Champion. You never know with this country," said Knight.
Somersby is in a fine rhythm at the moment, as he has just sealed a comprehensive victory in the Victor Chandler Chase.
His marvellous performance helped him ensure a 1 ¼ lengths win against the 5 to 2 betting favourite, Finian's Rainbow. Knight is also happy with his horse’s current momentum.
"He's been in good form since Ascot and has been out in the field with Calgary Bay. They live next door to each other and are the best of pals," she added.
On the other hand, Alan King is heading towards the Ryanair Chase with, Medermit. The eight-year-old made his previous outing in the Atlantic 4 Gold Cup, where he finished second on the chart.
He is expected to get an entry to the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase, which is scheduled to take place on the next day of Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Although, there are two big competitions lined-up for Medermit, the first priority is to do well in the imminent Denman Chase at Newbury next month.
"He'll got to Newbury in a fortnight for the Denman Chase, then we'll see. He's entered in the Gold Cup, but I'd imagine he'd probably drop back for the Ryanair," the Barbury Castle handler stated while talking about Medermit’s upcoming outings.
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