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Sherwood delays Clouds Cheltenham call

Mon 25th Jan 2016, 15:09

Many CloudsMany Clouds
© Photo Healy Racing

Many Clouds is set to have a workout on Tuesday before trainer Oliver Sherwood decides whether to run the Crabbie's Grand National hero in the BetBright Trial Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Many Clouds took this staying contest over an extended three miles and a furlong 12 months ago after winning the Hennessy Gold Cup and is among 11 entries for this year's renewal.

The nine-year-old has had two runs so far this term, the latest back at Aintree in December when he was beaten four lengths by Don Poli

Sherwood will also weigh up the potential opposition that could include Djakadam who, like Don Poli, is trained by Willie Mullins.

"We've entered him for Saturday. He'll work (on Tuesday) and we'll make a decision later in the week," said Sherwood.

"We'll look at the entries as well and take it from there."

Djakadam, runner-up in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, made a winning return to action this winter in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase last month and is the sole Irish entry. Smad Place who chased home Many Clouds in this race last term, could try again, while David Bridgwater has put in the 2014 winner The Giant Bolster

Paul Nicholls is doubly-represented with Rocky Creek and Sam Winner as is Rebecca Curtis with Irish Cavalier and O'Faolains Boy.

Sue Smith has given an entry to her in-form chaser Wakanda, while Colin Tizzard's Theatre Guide and the Mick Channon-trained Knock House complete the 11.