Progressive young chaser Aberdale could be targeted at the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday week.
The sponsors make the Jonjo O’Neill-trained seven-year-old a 10-1 shot for the £75,000 Listed handicap after Aberdale was allotted 10st 6lb. He has had only three starts over fences but has progressed with each run, getting off the mark at Wetherby in November.
Michael Meagher, racing manager to owner Trevor Hemmings, said: “The plan is for Aberdale to go to Doncaster for the Sky Bet Chase, if he gets in. He’s only a novice and it’s a very competitive handicap but his form has been good so far – he was second to that good horse of Ian Williams’, Wayward Prince.
“He’s a horse that likes a bit of good ground and hopefully Doncaster will suit him. He has progressed away nicely and he jumps well for a novice. The trip is what he wants so this sort of race might suit him.”
Hemmings also has King Fontaine (11st 2lb) entered, but the Malcolm Jefferson-trained gelding is set to bid to complete a five-timer at Haydock on Saturday.
Heading the weights for the Sky Bet Chase on 11st 12lb is The Tother One, while his trainer Paul Nicholls has a strong entry that also includes 6-1 ante-post favourite Fistral Beach.
Others among a 54-strong entry include the Nicky Henderson-trained Carole’s Legacy (11st 6lb), Alan King’s pair of Blazing Bailey (11st 6lb) and Warwick Classic Chase victor West End Rocker (11st 1lb), Mark Bradstock`s Carruthers (11st 8lb) and Chief Dan George (11st 8lb) from Jimmy Moffatt`s Cartmel stable.
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