CHELTENHAM NEWS

Newland keen on Cheltenham for Beau Bay

Trainer Richard Newland says Beau Bay is being aimed at the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Newland is confident the extended trip, over three-and-a-quarter miles will suit the 10-year-old, who won well over a similar distance at Doncaster last year.

Beau Bay also holds an entry for the Grand National but it appears a visit to Prestbury Park later this month is the preferred option for Newland, despite the fact he was impressive when winning the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over the National fences in December.

The Worcestershire-handler says the Aintree meeting in April could still be on the cards, though, but rather than have a go at the National, a more likely outing would be the Topham Chase.

“The handicapper put him up 6lb for his latest win, but it was too late for the National. I'm sure he won't get in so I'm not expecting to get a run there,” said Newland.

“The plan is to go to the Kim Muir at Cheltenham – and we'll take a view after that. He's had quite a busy season.

“If he runs respectably in the Kim Muir, I might say there's a chance we'll keep going to Aintree in case he got in the National and the ground would have to be soft in the Topham. I think they will be a bit too fast for him in that race if it wasn't.

“We're going for the Kim Muir. I think stepping up in trip is the way to go, and we'll see how he gets on.”