avid Pipe is not ruling out a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup bid with Grands Crus after the promising grey made it three wins from as many starts over fences in the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton.
Having found only Big Buck’s too strong in the staying hurdle division last season – and with little prospect of turning the tables this time around – connections made the wise decision of switching to the bigger obstacles.
Victories at Cheltenham and Newbury suggested Grands Crus was a natural at the fencing game, but this contest promised a more serious test of his credentials, with Grade One-winning hurdler Bobs Worth and the talented Silviniaco Conti in opposition.
With Mr Moonshine and Teaforthree setting the pace, Tom Scudamore sat in behind on the 6-5 favourite and was happy to go for home down the back straight when that duo weakened.
The bold move soon had Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth in trouble and Grands Crus managed to maintain his advantage with a couple of slick jumps in the home straight, coming home with two and a quarter lengths in hand.
Silviniaco Conti beat Bobs Worth to the runner-up spot as both ran like smart horses in defeat.
Paddy Power make Grands Crus the 2-1 favourite from 7-2 for the RSA Chase and he is only 8-1 (from 12-1) to dethrone Long Run in the Gold Cup.
“He jumped and travelled, and will probably have one more run before Cheltenham – I’ll discuss it with the owners but he’ll probably have an entry in the Gold Cup as well,” Pipe said.
“You’d be silly not to give him the Gold Cup entry but he’s got plenty of time and a lot can happen between then (March) and now.
“He was very quick over his hurdles, but he respects fences and it’s probably helped Tom slow him down a bit.
“He’s been very good over his fences, very neat and economical. It’s great for his owners, me, the yard, everyone.
“We’ve seen what Big Buck’s has done this year and for us to get as close to Big Buck’s shows how good he is and how good Grands Crus is.”
PA AAP TURF
