Trainer wants Grands Crus to stand for Cheltenham challenge – Horseracing Update
Grands Crus’s trainer, David Pipe, is keen to run his star gelding in Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup straight, not allowing him to participate even in RSA Chase which he is hot favourite for.
The seven-year-old gelding was part of last Saturday’s Novice Chase at Newbury but the contest was abandoned due to heavy frost.
Now, the talented runner is scheduled to show his guts on March 14 in RSA event but his trainer is not likely to let him run.
Pipe claims that Grands Crus may lose his stamina if he is allowed to partake in any other contest prior to the Gold Cup.
While speaking to the media yesterday, the gelding’s joint owner, Roger Stanley, said, “David thinks it will be a little too close and wouldn't want him to have a harder race on better ground at this stage. He's happy with him and feels he doesn't need to
put another race into him. It looks like he'll go straight to Cheltenham.”
He further elaborated, “The Gold Cup is probably a bit difficult when you've only had three chases but we're going to leave it late and decide. Let's have a look at how the Gold Cup settles down and who's in form and who's in the RSA. There's no rush to
decide."
Grands Crus is third top favourite for Gold Cup which is set to be held on March 16. This is supposed to be one of the important races of Cheltenham Festival.
Pipe’s gelding will compete against 33 potential opponents in the high-voltage event. Almost all of the entries include experienced and skilled horses.
Foaled in April 2005, Grands Crus too possesses outstanding track record. Since making his debut in October 2009, he has won 7 out of his total 14 starts so far. His victories include 4 Hurdle and 3 Chase races.
The young gelding is preparing hard for the mega clash since last few months. Pipe seems to be greatly hopeful that his trainee will deliver outstanding performance at Cheltenham. The bookmakers and the game analysts too believe the same. Thus, Grands Crus
will is carrying burden of a lot of expectations.
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