Trainer Kim Bailey has reported his top novice Vinndication to be in splendid order ahead of Saturday's Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown, but remains tight-lipped on his plans for the Cheltenham Festival.
Looking to extend his unbeaten run to seven over obstacles, Bailey's star 6yo will also be in the hunt for a first Grade One success when stepping up to top company for the first time, having scored in the Grade Two Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot before Christmas.
His trainer is highly hopeful he can retain his unbeaten record with the Festival looming large.
(Credit: Racing Post) He said: “I am very happy with Vinndication since his last run at Ascot.
"He has had plenty of time to recover from it and it has always been the plan to run in the Scilly Isles next. He’s shaping up well and I’m happy with him.
“Unbeaten records are difficult things to try and keep going. He has done everything we have asked him to go and do and hopefully he will carry on doing that," he said.
Vinndication currently holds entries in both the RSA and JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but Bailey is not giving any clues to what the future holds beyond Sandown this weekend.
He said: "I haven’t even got as far as thinking about Cheltenham. I’m not looking past Saturday, but we’re keeping our options open.
"Any horse who can do what he has done is very important to any yard. It doesn’t matter who you are, they are hugely exciting horses to get hold of, very hard to find and they are treasured creatures."
Vinndication will put his record on the line against Dipper Novices' Chase winner Lostintranslation and runner-up Defi Du Seuil, who both have their respective futures to decide this weekend.