Bolger preaching caution as Yanworth faces new test in Cheltenham cross-country

Enda Bolger has described Friday’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase as a “fact-finding mission” for dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Yanworth, a general 7-1 chance to take to the niche discipline at Cheltenham.

Yanworth was pulled up on his debut for Bolger at Listowel and the trainer, who is widely recognised as the 'king of the banks' after managing the careers of prolific scorers Risk Of Thunder, Spot Thedifference and Garde Champetre, is not expecting fireworks from his latest recruit.

Bolger said: “He's grand but he didn't have a great start for us at Listowel. We're going there more hopeful than anything else that he'll take to the cross-country fences. He has an awful lot of weight and it looks like it might be a struggle.”

He added: “His schooling has been satisfactory, but I always find that they tend to take a run over those fences before you can be fully confident. It's very much a fact-finding mission with him.”

Blue Templar is also entered in Friday's race at Cheltenham, but Bolger revealed the eight-year-old will more than likely head to Punchestown on Sunday for another banks race.

Bolger said: “Blue Templar will probably go to Punchestown on Sunday. I’ll probably put Yanworth in that race as well but I’d like to give him some experience around Cheltenham, so he’ll more than likely run there.”

Josies Orders: has made a full recovery from a colicCredit: Mark Cranham

Josies Orders, a veteran of the cross-country discipline, will not be out this weekend after suffering from colic recently, but Bolger provided an upbeat prognosis on the 11-year-old.

He added: “Josies got a bit of a colic and had a minor operation. It’s the first time he’s missed the Cheltenham November meeting in a while, but hopefully he’ll make the December meeting. He’s back in full work.”

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