David Pipe will not be making an imminent decision as to whether Grands Crus tackles the Gold Cup rather than a novice option at Cheltenham.
The trainer is not dismissing the possibility of challenging Kauto Star and Long Run in March at this stage, with his young grey looking so impressive when defeating a couple of very smart rivals in the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Grands Crus was taking his unbeaten streak over fences to three, having only found the unbeatable Big Buck’s and Thousand Stars too good in staying hurdles last season.
“In disposing of Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth in good style, he confirmed himself as the leading staying novice chaser in the country,” Pipe told his website.
“His jumping was once again assured and accurate in this strongly-run race and we couldn’t be more pleased with him.
“Anoraks will point to the time being nearly three seconds faster than the King George, and that has prompted bookmakers to install him as a general third favourite for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.
“He will certainly be given an entry for the big one as it looks to be a wide-open race (especially when you consider that other candidates such as Quito de la Roque and Rubi Light were turned over in Ireland on Wednesday afternoon), but he will also be entered in the Jewson as well as the RSA Chase.
“We will give the matter some serious thought and will not decide where he goes until much nearer the time.”
PA AAP TURF
