Jamie Snowden will have Colonel Harry with him at his next start in either the Becher Handicap Chase over the Grand National Fences at Aintree or the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The Lambourn trainer has earmarked the two options for the eight-year-old, who got his career back on track when he triumphed over the fences at Aintree in his first start in the William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase on Saturday.
Following his success at the Merseyside venue, the gelded son of Shirocco was increased by four pounds by the handicapper on Tuesday, prompting Snowden to take a look at another handicap option with the Grade Two winner.
Snowden said: “Colonel Harry has gained four pounds for Saturday. We entered him for the Becher Chase this morning but the plan was the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in December.
“Last season he couldn’t keep up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and the cup is half a mile further than the Grand Sefton, but he ran very freely that day.
“Perhaps if he were ridden with a little more patience he would be able to do this type of ride a little better and he handled the Grand National fences very well.
“Those who compete in the Paddy Power and end up competing in the Gold Cup in December will have a week longer gap, which is a plus.
“At the moment it looks like he will take part in one of these two races and we will decide on one at a later date.”
Stablemate Lady Tadita will be eyeing her next start after maintaining her unbeaten record with victory in the PricedUp Daily Racing Boosts Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.
After making a victorious debut over hurdles at Market Rasen in September, the daughter of MasterStroke backed up that win with a length and three-quarter success in the extended 1 mile 7 furlong Prize, 12 months after she won the record on the card.
And after the win, Snowden identified the Listed Byerley Stud Mares Novices' Hurdle at Taunton on December 30 as her next target.
Snowden said: “It was a good race she won today as the second horse (Amelia's Star) ran a good second grade race at Aintree. Trying to lose her weight was a good effort and she did well.”
“I thought she jumped well and ran the race well. It would have been nice if the leader had given us a little longer in the race as we ended up in the top three.
“She's only four years old and a little inexperienced at the top, but she's done her job and will only improve.
“She puts a lot into her races, even if she wins relatively easily. She needs some time between her races and hopefully we'll go to Taunton for the Listed race now after Christmas.”
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