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Weather key to Somersby target
Henrietta Knight is leaving a decision on Somersby's Cheltenham target until as late as possible because of the unpredictability of the British weather.
While the Ryanair Chase over two miles five furlongs is her preferred option for the Victor Chandler Chase winner, the Lockinge handler would not rule out the Queen Mother Champion Chase if the ground was soft.
"The Ryanair is my favourite for him but if it came up soft we'd think of the Champion. You never know with this country," said Knight.
Somersby took the Champion Chase route last season but was only fifth to Sizing Europe.
He finally landed that elusive Grade One triumph at Ascot over two miles and a furlong last time and has been enjoying an easy time with next-door neighbour Calgary Bay, who won the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.
"He's been in good form since Ascot and has been out in the field with Calgary Bay. They live next door to each other and are the best of pals," she added.
Alan King is also leaning towards the Ryanair with Medermit, but he will be given an entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup too. First up, however, is a likely clash with Long Run at Newbury on February 11.
The Barbury Castle handler said: "He'll got to Newbury in a fortnight for the Denman Chase, then we'll see. He's entered in the Gold Cup, but I'd imagine he'd probably drop back for the Ryanair."
