Mendip Express may head to Newbury before Cheltenham Festival
Newbury on February 8 appears the only realistic option for Mendip Express if he is to run again before Cheltenham.
Last Updated: 10/01/14 3:57pm
Harry Fry's eight-year-old continued his winning streak from his point-to-point days when landing what looked a competitive handicap at Cheltenham on New Year's Day in good style.
While Fry believes his choices at the showpiece March meeting rest between the RSA Chase and the four-mile National Hunt Chase he will also enter him in the JLT Specialty Handicap, a race in which novices have a decent record.
"If he runs again it will be at Newbury on Denman Chase day in a three-mile novice chase," said Fry.
"We'll make our minds up nearer the time. As for Cheltenham he'll be entered in the RSA, the National Hunt Chase and he'll have an entry in the JLT Handicap although I suspect we'll stick to novice company.
"I was really surprised with how well he handled the ground at Cheltenham last time, although it was wet enough for them to go through it.
"Will Biddick knows him extremely well now, including points he's won his last nine races on him, and he's convinced he's much better on a decent surface."