Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant to refresh rivalry in the Lexus
Just as the Nicky Henderson trained, Bobs Worth, took control of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury by dominating the final flight, Paul Nicholls and Mouse Morris settled with the honourable second and third positions. The race that made the favourite winner, Bobs Worth, the most popular candidate for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has also given ample to clue to the finishing frame of three, Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant, as to their future options.
Paul Nicholls might not be as satisfied with the runner-up’s position of his representative as is Morris glad with his gallant under charge who did not disappoint.
The County Tipperary-based handler has picked out the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown which is scheduled for 28th December. The trainer came up with his travelling plans to Newbury just when he felt joyful about the rising star of his stable.
"It was a pity the ground was tacky, but he ran a big race. He jumped super and was given a great ride - what more can you ask? I'll have to talk to Michael (O'Leary, owner), but we'll probably go for the Lexus," commented the trainer of the third finished of the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Paul Nicholls wants his own runner-up to compete in the same trip and less the Hennessy winner, Bobs Worth, they will revive the rivalry and be able to judge the better one from an all new angle.
"If he was a six or seven-year-old, and not pushing 12, he would just about be second favourite for the Gold Cup now.”
"The likes of Silviniaco Conti - and Al Ferof and Kauto Stone - are shorter than him in the betting for Cheltenham and have youth and potential on their side. But on pure form, there is not a lot between them.”
Nicholls is highly confident about Tidal Bay’s chances for the Gold Cup on Betfair, and has decided for it to be the next target after Lexus.
The Hennessy winning trainer, Nicky Henderson, has not declared yet if his stable will be taking part in the Lexus, but the rivalry of the threesome again would be a treat to watch.
Bobs Worth in the meanwhile has become a favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the March Cup too.
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