Racing Digest

McCoy opts for Exotic DancerTony McCoy has opted to partner Exotic Dancer in next week's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

McCoy has won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Letheby And Christopher Chase aboard the Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old this season but he also had the choice of riding French raider L'Ami.

The latter ran hot favourite Kauto Star to a neck last time and is owned by JP McManus, who has first call on McCoy but has decided to waive his retainer.

McCoy said: "The boss very kindly gave me the choice but it wasn't easy. If they both get there it looks like I'll be riding Exotic Dancer, purely because of his form at Cheltenham this season when he's been virtually unbeatable. L'Ami ran a terrific race just behind Kauto Star last time and wouldn't have to improve much to be thereabouts."

Exotic Dancer is a best-priced 5 to 1 with Coral while L'Ami is 16 to 1 with the same firm for the Gold Cup.

Brassil 'tempted' to take chance

Martin Brassil is "very tempted" to let Nickname take his chance in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase - providing the rains continue to pour at Cheltenham.

The Co Kildare handler has saddled the eight-year-old to five Graded victories this year but has always stated soft ground is vital if he is to run at the festival. Brassil said: "If the weather keeps coming as it is then we'd be very tempted to travel. If he runs, Ruby (Walsh) will ride him.

"This winter the ground has been so heavy that it's really played into Nickname's hands."

Although Nickname has had a relatively busy campaign this season, Brassil does not harbour any fears his schedule is beginning to catch up with him. "He's had it very easy and he races on the bridle for most of his races and sometimes I probably work him harder at home," he said.

"Certainly the last day he just cantered round and it didn't take much from him - he was kicking and screaming a couple of days later."

Of the Champion Chase, for which Nickname is a best-priced 9 to 2 with Coral, Brassil added: "If he was walking around there now and the ground was as it is, I would be very tempted to have something on him."

Heavy going takes its toll

Following an inspection of the chase course at Thurles yesterday, the course was found to be unfit for racing due to waterlogging. There will be a further inspection at 8.30 this morning to determine prospects for the two scheduled chases on Thursday's programme. The ground on the hurdle course at Thurles is currently heavy. The Turf Club has also announced that the chase course at Fairyhouse is unfit for racing on Saturday. As a result the two chases have been abandoned. One of the remaining five races will be divided to form a six-race programme.