A Plus Tard unlikely to try for second Betfair Chase

A Plus Tard is unlikely to head to Newbury for the Betfair Chase, according to Cheveley Park Stud’s Richard Thompson.

A PLUS TARD winning jockey Rachael Blackmore celebrates after her success. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

"I think it's odds against he runs at Haydock, but he'll be out soon I think. I'm told he's in good form and we're looking forward to seeing how he runs," he said.

"He's had a few issues, as everyone knows. I think those are sorted now, hopefully, and he'll be out soon, but the Betfair Chase may be a bit of a stretch for him as it's only two weeks away."

A Plus Tard was an impressive twenty-two length winner of the Betfair Chase in 2021, ending the same season with victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival in March.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding has not appeared to be the force of old in three starts since, pulling up twice before finishing a well-beaten third behind Shishkin in the Group 1 Aintree Bowl in April.

It appears connections would not be dissatisfied if A Plus Tard began the new campaign against easier rivals, with Thompson adding: "I would have thought that will be the plan more than the Betfair Chase. Henry will make the plan, but I get the flavour that he may go that route.

"There's no pressure. He's a Gold Cup winner and a Betfair Chase winner and has given us four Grade Ones – he's given us some fantastic days."


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