Exciting grey Grands Crus is set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the Betfair. Don't Settle For Less Novices' Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
The top-class staying hurdler has made a brilliant start to his career over the larger obstacles, completing a hat-trick with a superb display in the Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. While he remains hot favourite for the RSA Chase at next month's Cheltenham Festival, connections have not yet ruled out going for Gold Cup glory.
Two Paul Nicholls-trained entries for Saturday's three-mile prize look set to miss the race.
Join Together and Silviniaco Conti have both been given the option but the champion trainer said at his open day on Monday he would rather neither had a hard race against Grands Crus and he has the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot and a later valuable event at Fontwell as back-up options.
A total of 25 entries have been received, with Loose Preformer, Mossley, Our Mick and Penny Max some of the more interesting possibles.
