The Ted Walsh-trained Rince Ri (who may run at Leopardstown on March 4th) heads the 25 confirmations for Saturday's Grade Three Racing Post Chase at Kempton. However, stablemate Commanche Court looks set to represent the Co Kildare trainer in the three-mile contest.
Last year's Irish Grand National winner also heads the weights for Saturday's De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock but has only been left in that race as a precaution. Walsh said yesterday: "We'll run something in the Racing Post Chase, more than likely Commanche Court."
Connections of Marlborough are keeping a close eye on Mick Fitzgerald's availability before deciding on the gelding's participation.
The Nicky Henderson-trained chaser, runner-up to Gloria Victis in last season's Racing Post Chase, had seemed more likely to run in Thursday's Jim Ford Challenge Cup at Wincanton.
However Fitzgerald, whose presence aboard the gelding is considered crucial, had to cry off his remaining mounts at Fontwell yesterday with an elbow injury following victory aboard Gastina. If the rider is not fit for Thursday's race, Marlborough will be re-routed to Kempton.
Meanwhile, Baracouda, favourite for Cheltenham Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle, survived a sticky moment at Fontwell, hanging on by a neck from Solo Mio after looking in serious danger of being passed on the run-in in the Collins Stewart National Spirit Hurdle.
"I'm pleased he was 80 per cent fit and not 79 per cent fit or it could have been a different result," said trainer Francois Doumen. "The race might have been bad for my nerves but this will put him at his peak for Cheltenham."
Doumen's Bilboa will complete her preparation for Cheltenham's Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.
Bilboa would appear to have a stiff task trying to turn the tables with Jair Du Cochet at Cheltenham. When the pair clashed at Chepstow over Christmas Jair Du Cochet was a convincing winner.
But Doumen said yesterday: "My son was thinking ahead to Cheltenham and looked after her in the bottomless ground at Chepstow."
