‘It’s quite tempting’ – Jefferson weighs up Gold Cup bid with Sounds Russian after fine Cotswold run
Ruth Jefferson is attempting to beat Stallstar Sounds Russian in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30) after his good performance in the Cotswold Chase on the course.
The eight-year-old continued his rise through the ranks, finishing a length and a half behind Ahoy Senor but ahead of fellow Gold Cup hopes Noble Yeats and Protectorate in Saturday’s Class 2 competition.
He is only 16-1 with bet365 for the March 17 race but has an alternative option in the Premier Chase at Kelso ahead of other top-level targets at Aintree in April.
Jefferson said: “He’s still in the Gold Cup and it’s not a definitive plan, but at the same time you don’t often have a horse good enough to run in the Gold Cup, so it’s quite tempting to try. Apparently he has to top up quite a bit.
Sounds Russian (left): Finished second behind Ahoy Senor at the Cotswold ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst
“The only other race for him if he wasn’t fighting for the Gold Cup would be the Premier Chase at Kelso where he previously won. It’s two weeks before the Gold Cup, so you can’t do both. There are people like Aintree to think about – I don’t think there will be anything for him in Ayr. The Betway Bowl at Aintree could also be a target.
Jefferson was delighted with Sounds Russian’s run in the Cotswold Chase and while he is yet to win in Graded Company, the Malton-based trainer is hoping his encouraging efforts in losing his last three starts will soon be rewarded.
She added: “I haven’t ridden him since the race and probably won’t on Thursday, but all seems fine with him at the moment. don’t do much wrong.
“I’ve had good horses like him before, but it’s great for his owners [Claxby & Co] and the yard. It’s nice that he’s a very consistent horse because when you’re like that, something always gets in your way.”
3.30 Cheltenham, 17 March, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
Bet365: 5-4 Galopin Des Champs, 6 A Plus Tard, 7 Noble Yeats, 8 Bravemansgame, 10 Conflated, Ahoy Senor, 16 Protectorate, Sounds Russian, 20 bar
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