Trainer Kim Bailey has remarkably changed his mind concerning the future of his star novice chaser Vinndication, as he confirms the 6yo will fulfil his entry in the JLT Novices Chase on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival.
Bailey had announced plans to scrap Vinndication's entries after a displeasing racecourse gallop at Newbury a couple of Sunday's ago, but has opted to now revoke them.
He tweeted this morning: "After a very good mornings jumping, I have changed my mind and confirmed Vinndication for the JLT Novices Chase."
After a very good mornings jumping I have changed my mind and confirmed Vinndication for the JLT. pic.twitter.com/ZkOZQj7hS0
— Kim Bailey (@kimbaileyracing) March 8, 2019
(Credit Kim Bailey)
Unbeaten in four novice hurdle starts, the son of Vinnie Roe began his debut chasing campaign with two wins earlier this season at Carlisle and at Ascot, before a unique set of tactics saw him part company with his unbeaten record at Sandown, when being defeated by Defi Du Seuil in the Scilly Isles.
He looks set to clash with the Philip Hobbs-trained 6yo once more who looks to be a strong fancy for the opening race on St Patricks Day, with the second from the Scilly Isles [Lostintranslation], also well to the fore of the JLT Novices Chase market.
With the two just named vying for favouritism around the 3/1 mark, Vinndication surely looks overpriced at 10/1 given the fact he was raced wrongly last time out, and the money will certainly come again as the race begins to thin out.
Jockey David Bass will realise he needs to be much more prominent to be in with a chance, but he cannot be discounted in this top graded affair baring in mind his racecourse record.
Bailey is a man in fine form of late, with six winners in the last fortnight, and surely Vinndication carries the flag for the yard at next week's yearly highlight.
Both Charbel and First Flow will make the short visit to Prestbury Park from Thorndale Farm too, both with options to head to the Ryanair and County Hurdle respectively.