'It might not be right for him' - Chantry House looks set to miss Coral Gold Cup

Chantry House, who holds high-profile entries at both Newbury and Newcastle on Saturday, may wait for the following weekend to make his seasonal reappearance in the BoyleSports Many Clouds Chase at Aintree.

Chantry House is a general 16-1 chance for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and 6-1 for the Betfair-backed Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle, but his good record in small fields could see his return delayed by a week.

"He's good and looks absolutely fantastic," said trainer Nicky Henderson.

"It's very possible that he'll wait for the Many Clouds at Aintree next weekend. We've always said he's a happier horse in a small field and we're just thinking something like the Coral Gold Cup with top weight might not be the right race for him.

"We'll see what's in the Newcastle race, but for the small field, which is what he likes, then possibly the Many Clouds at Aintree next weekend would be a sensible option."

Henderson paid a visit to Newbury on Wednesday to walk the course with clerk Keith Ottesen and appears to be happy with conditions as he prepares a big team for the two-day meeting starting on Friday.

Nicky Henderson: walked the course at Newbury on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We had very heavy rain with us at 7am in Lambourn, it was chucking it down, but again it seems to have evaporated very quickly," said Henderson.

"I've been round Newbury with Keith and he's watering now and will continue to do so. It will be good ground but it won't be any slower than that."

With stable jockey Nico de Boinville heading to Newcastle to ride Constitution Hill on Saturday, James Bowen is set for a busy day on the Seven Barrows runners at Newbury, according to Henderson.

He added: "There will be a fair few at Newbury and James will be riding. Make no mistake, he's top-class and he's ready for this."

Chantry House details

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