Dundee for Naas

Nick Dundee could run over two miles at Naas on Sunday to try and revitalise his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials but one man left unimpressed by the horse's weekend flop at Gowran appears to be his jockey Norman Williamson.

The Edward O'Grady-trained runner fell four out in Saturday's Red Mills Chase, a performance that saw his Gold Cup odds lengthen to as long as 33 to 1 and leaving Williamson to say three falls in Nick Dundee's last five races "doesn't constitute an ideal Cheltenham festival preparation."

In an English Sunday newspaper column, Williamson stated: "By unseating me at the fourth last he fuelled those doubters who say they never come back. On yesterday's performance alone it looks as though they are right."

Williamson added: "He made a few mistakes and didn't jump all that well. He was going OK but I thought he would have been going better. That's a kind way of putting it."

The rider, who was stood down after a heavy fall in the first at Navan yesterday, also added: "Edward O'Grady hardly said anything afterwards but the fact that the horse has hit the deck in three of his last five races doesn't constitute an ideal Cheltenham Festival preparation."

However, O'Grady stressed yesterday that the Gold Cup option remains open for Nick Dundee and the John Magnier-owned horse, who O'Grady reported "absolutely fine" yesterday, will be entered for the Newlands Chase on Sunday.

"He is being entered on the basis of keeping all our options open. Obviously I will be discussing it with the owner during the week and he will be schooled during the week," O'Grady said.

He added: "Go Roger Go is also a possible runner in the Naas race and Norman Williamson will have the choice. Even if he chooses to ride the other horse at Naas, the ride on Nick Dundee in the Gold Cup remains Norman's."

Nick Dundee's Gold Cup odds were lengthened by all bookmakers following Saturday's race which ultimately was won by Bob Treacy.