Undervalued: Ellison says Gold Cup-bound Definitly Red does not get due credit

Brian Ellison believes Definitly Red does not get the credit he deserves, after revealing his stable star is set for a midwinter break before a second tilt at the Gold Cup should he win back-to-back renewals of the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

The nine-year-old, owned by Phil and Julie Martin, scored at Grade 2 level for the fourth time when landing the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last month and is a general 33-1 chance to win the Magners-backed Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which he finished sixth last season.

Definitly Red was on Tuesday backed into 13-8 favourite (from 2) with Betfred, Ladbrokes and William Hill to strike again in the Rewards4Racing-sponsored chase at Aintree and carries a 6lb penalty for his three Grade 2 wins since September 2017.

Many Clouds Chase entries

Ellison, who enjoyed top-level success with Marsh Warbler in the Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle in 2011, said: “Definitly Red is by the far the best jumper I’ve trained and I don’t feel he gets the credit he deserves.

“Maybe it’s because we’re based up north – I don’t know – but you only have to look at the races he's won to see how good he is. He’s a lovely horse, very straightforward and my travelling head lad Andy Robertson rides him everyday.”

Double Shuffle, Rock The Kasbah, The Last Samuri and returning Grand National hero One For Arthur – who is set to be ridden by Tom Scudamore – are among thirteen entries for the £60,000 contest.

Ellison said of Danny Cook's mount: “He worked really well this morning and I’m very happy with him.

“We’ve got a 6lb penalty which will make it harder and Double Shuffle looks the main danger on ratings, but hopefully the race cuts up with a few holding multiple entries.

“If he wins on Saturday we intend to keep him fresh and head straight to the Gold Cup.

“I'm hoping there's still improvement in him and he’ll have an entry in the Grand National and Betway Bowl the following month.”

The going at Aintree on Tuesday was good to soft with rain expected this week.

Watch Definitly Red win the Charlie Hall Chase

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