Triumph Hurdle hope Navajo Pass may miss Goshen clash at Haydock on Saturday

Donald McCain has warned Navajo Pass is not certain to take up his engagement against fellow JCB Triumph Hurdle contender Goshen at Haydock on Saturday.

Winner of the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle on his last start in December, Navajo Pass missed an intended outing at Cheltenham Trials day last month after banging a joint.

The dual hurdles winner was being lined up for a clash with Triumph favourite Goshen in the Unibet Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle, but his participation hangs in the balance.

"He worked really well this morning, but I've got to weigh up whether I go there [to Haydock] or sit tight," McCain said on Wednesday.

"It might come a few days too soon after he missed going to Cheltenham. The most important thing is to get to Cheltenham and how we get there is yet to be decided."

Navajo Pass is a general 33-1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle in a market headed by 9-2 market leaders Goshen and Allmankind.

The ground at Haydock was described as heavy on Wednesday and although more rain and stormy weather is forecast, officials are confident the meeting will go ahead.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: "We're heavy at the moment but believe we're in a position to race. There is rain forecast each day, with 6mm predicted on Saturday.

"From a racing point of view, the rain might not do any harm as it will keep the ground sloppy rather than really tacky."

Minella Trump: demoted at BangorCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

McCain also revealed he has lodged an appeal against the controversial decision to strip Minella Trump of victory at Bangor last Friday.

Minella Trump, who like Navajo Pass is owned by Tim Leslie, crossed the line half a length in front of 1-6 shot The Cashel Man in the three-runner 2m7f novice hurdle.

However, the positions were reversed at a stewards' inquiry after Minella Trump was judged to have caused sufficient interference to The Cashel Man approaching the final flight.

Read more if you like this:

Leading Triumph hope Goshen 'in great order' for Haydock test

Donald McCain: 'equine flu was the shock of my life - I shut myself away'

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards