Charlie Brooks will walk the course at Newbury on Thursday before making a decision over Suny Bay's participation in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup, for which a total of 24 horses were confirmed at yesterday's five-day declaration stage.
But yesterday the Lambourn trainer, who won the race in 1995 with Couldnt Be Better, expressed himself as "optimistic" that the grey would run. The lone Irish challenger is Time For A Run, who will be partnered by Charlie Swan. Owned by J P McManus, the 10-year-old is on offer at 8 to 1.
Francois Doumen is hopeful of a big run from Djeddah, en route to a crack at the King George VI Chase at Kempton at Christmas. Doumen said: "Djeddah is in great form and we look set to have another fine season with him. As usual Adam Kondrat will ride him on Saturday."
The trainer added of Djeddah, most of whose form has been on fast ground: "We intend running him even if the ground is softer than would be ideal."
Ciel de Brion may make the Lamorlaye-based trainer two-handed on Saturday despite the fact that he will be racing from well outside the handicap.
Ciel de Brion's owners are part of the Hennessy family and are keen for their horse to run. "He goes on any ground, but we will assess the entries before making a final decision," added Doumen.
If Ciel de Brion does join the big race line-up he will be ridden by the trainer's son Thierry.
Avro Anson's participation hinges on the state of the ground. Maurice Camacho's nine-year-old, third to Jodami in last season's Peter Marsh Chase and sixth in the Grand National, has yet to run this season.
Camacho's wife Sue said: "A decision won't be made until much later in the week, probably on Friday. He won't run if the ground is soft."
Latest Betting
William Hill: 4-1 Suny Bay, 6-1 Banjo and Djeddah, 7-1 Time For A Run, 10-1 Trying Again, 12-1 Barton Bank, 14-1 General Wolfe, 16-1 Belmont King, Celtic Abbey, Cool Dawn and Eudipe, 20-1 bar.
Ladbrokes: 7-2 Suny Bay, 5-1 Banjo (with a run), 7-1 Djeddah, 8-1 Time For A Run, 9-1 Trying Again and Barton Bank, 10-1 General Wolfe, 12-1 Coome Hill, 14-1 Eudipe, 16-1 Belmont King, 20-1 Cool Dawn, Avro Anson and Celtic Abbey, 25-1 bar.
Coral: 3-1 Suny Bay, 6-1 Djeddah, 7-1 Time For A Run, 8-1 Banjo, 10-1 General Wolfe, 12-1 Barton Bank and Trying Again, 14-1 Belmont King & Eudipe, 16-1 Celtic Abbey and Indian Tracker, 20-1 Cool Dawn, Inchcailloch and Samlee, 25-1 bar.
Tote: 100-30 Suny Bay, 7-1 Banjo, Djeddah and Time For A Run, 10-1 General Wolfe, 12-1 Coome Hill and Trying Again, 14-1 Barton Bank, Celtic Abbey, Eudipe and Indian Tracker, 16-1 Cool Dawn, 20-1 Avro Anson and Belmont King, 25-1 bar.
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