'He's the captain of our team' - McNeill sweet on Coral Gold Cup contender

Leading jumps owner Max McNeill is relishing having his first runner in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury with high-class chaser Threeunderthrufive, who he thinks has a "lively chance" in the prestigious chase.

McNeill, who was speaking on the Racing Post's What A Shout show, said: "He's a horse we love. He's the captain of our team and a dual Grade 2 winner last year. Things didn't go for him at Cheltenham last year and he might not have been good enough, but he's on a nice mark now of 151."

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old was third on his comeback in the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby and McNeill added: "There's no doubt that was a prep run for the Coral Gold Cup. He took a massive blow afterwards and if he gets there in one piece, he'll have a lively chance.

"I've been going to it years and years but never had a runner in it. I'd love to have one as it's Newbury's biggest and most prestigious race."

McNeill believes the Grand National could be the prime end-of-season target for Threeunderthrufive, as it will be for his Escaria Ten, who finished ninth last year.

"Threeunderthrufive is an archetypal chaser and the Grand National will be the aim for the second half of the season," he said. "Even if he wins the Coral Gold Cup by five lengths or so, I'd view him as a top-class handicapper, so the Grand National could be tailor-made for him."

Max McNeill: has plenty of stars for the jumps seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

McNeill's Grand Sefton second Senior Citizen will bid to go one better at Aintree, while Tritonic aims to secure a big Saturday double for the owner in Doncaster's November Handicap.

The owner also spoke about the prize-money situation in Britain. He said: "Prize-money generally is disappointing. We ran in a bumper the other day where it was just over £2,000 for winning, which is difficult.

"You need to get your head around it as an owner that you don't do it for prize-money. If you did it would be a bit sad, as you do it for the passion and enjoyment. It takes over your life in many ways."

Coral Gold Cup (Newbury, November 26)

Coral:8-1 Corach Rambler, Dusart, 10 Threeunderthrufive, 12 Ashtown Lad, Busselton, Capodanno, Gericault Roque, Our Power, 14 Fiddlerontheroof, Oscar Elite, 16 Ahoy Senor, Chantry House, Fantastikas, French Dynamite, Le Milos, Protektorat, Velvet Elvis, Win My Wings, 20 bar

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