Turf Talk: Cheltenham offers Cloudy Dream a silver lining after last week's race-entry error

Cloudy Dream could still run at Cheltenham this weekend despite an entry error causing the horse to miss his intended outing in the BetVictor Gold Cup.
Yorkshire trainer Malcolm Jefferson with Cloudy Dream. PIC: Bruce RollinsonYorkshire trainer Malcolm Jefferson with Cloudy Dream. PIC: Bruce Rollinson
Yorkshire trainer Malcolm Jefferson with Cloudy Dream. PIC: Bruce Rollinson

Norton trainer Malcolm Jefferson’s grey was a leading ante-post fancy for Saturday’s main event but was a surprise omission from the list following Monday’s confirmation stage.

Jefferson’s daughter Ruth has taken responsibility for the mistake as he instead ended up with an entry in the three-mile-three-furlong BetVictor Handicap Chase, which precedes the feature race. However, Sunday’s Shloer Chase was reopened after insufficient entries were received, so another option at Prestbury Park is now available.

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“We’ve put him in the Shloer on Sunday as that has been reopened,” said Mick Meagher, racing manager to owner Trevor Hemmings.

Trainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA WireTrainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA Wire
Trainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA Wire

“Ruth was supposed to confirm him for the BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase and he’s actually ended up in the BetVictor Handicap Chase, the race before. It’s human error, it will happen again, but we’ll kick on.

“We’ll make a decision on whether he runs later in the week, but that is where we are at. He’s fully entitled to run in that, he was second in the Arkle.”

n Nicky Henderson is already looking forward to taking on Douvan with Altior at Cheltenham in March.

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While he admits a lot of water needs to pass under the bridge before then, he does not envisage the two meeting prior to the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Nicky Henderson's Altior in action. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA WireNicky Henderson's Altior in action. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire
Nicky Henderson's Altior in action. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire

Altior, who won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2016 and the Arkle earlier this year, is due to reappear at Sandown in the Tingle Creek next month.

When asked if he felt Altior simply had to avoid falling to be beaten, Henderson said: “There’s Douvan of course (later down the line). I hope the meeting is in March as it will be one to savour.”

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

SOUTHWELL: 12.40 Break The Silence, 1.15 She’s Royal, 1.45 Zapper Class, 2.15 Eva Docc, 2.45 Take The High Road, 3.20 Topamichi, 3.50 Gatillo.

Trainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA WireTrainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA Wire
Trainer Nicky Henderson is already looking ahead to next year. PIC: Simon Galloway/PA Wire
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CHELMSFORD: 5.25 Hic Bibi, 5.55 IL PRIMO SOLE (NAP), 6.25 Magic Pulse, 6.55 Final Treat, 7.25 Dreaming Time (treble), 7.55 Daring Guest, 8.25 Never Folding, 8.55 King Kevin (next best).

LUDLOW: 1.25 Black Sam Bella, 1.55 Dark Castletown, 2.25 Royal Ruby, 3.00 Cowslip, 3.30 Champagne Chaser, 4.00 Cubswin.

TAUNTON: 1.05 Storm Home, 1.35 Red Admirable, 2.05 Jumping Jack, 2.35 Ridgeway Flyer, 3.10 Midnight Tune, 3.40 Resolution Bay, 4.10 Hattaab.