Champ is being aimed at the Savills Chase at Leopardstown according to experienced trainer Nicky Henderson.
The winner of the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival back in March is having his next main target considered and a trip to Leopardstown seems the most likely destination following a potential outing at Aintree.
Henderson feels there is still work to be done on the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old but believes the Savills Chase at Christmas is the primary goal.
“Champ is not quite as far forward as some,” said Henderson. “We have just looked at his wind, but that is all sorted now – however, he is a little bit behind the others in the A-squad.
“I don’t think he will go to Sandown for the intermediate chase, and we aren’t that keen on the idea of the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury – and I don’t think Kempton is really his track either.
“The Many Clouds Chase at Aintree is a possibility, and there is a serious chance he could go to Ireland for the Savills Chase at Christmas – that is something we have mulled over.”
