PLANET Of Sound is a major doubt for nextFriday’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Although he is one of the outsiders, last year’s winner of the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup was set to line-up but he is now struggling with a problem. And his trainer Philip Hobbs isn’t confident he will be able to take on Imperial Commander, Long Run, Kauto Star and Denman.
Hobbs said: “I’d say it was very unlikely he’ll run. He’s got an infection in a hind leg and unless he’s 100% within the next three days, he won’t be able to run.”
Planet Of Sound has run since he finished fifth in the rearranged King George VI Chase at Kempton, having previously been third behind Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.
Meanwhile Dunguib delighted connections with his final real work-out ahead of Tuesday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle.
The Grade One feature of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival will have a maximum of 13 entries after yesterday’s six-day declaration – with Dunguib among them.
Philip Fenton’s charge was third when set off the 4-5 favourite for last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. And only just one run this term the pressure is off for the eight-year-old who is best-priced 14-1 with Coral, William Hill and bet365 behind 100-30 favourite Binocular.
TODAY'S NAP: Fleurie Lover (6.30pm Kempton).
