God's Own, left© Photo Healy Racing
Tom George is edging towards running God's Own in the A P McCoy Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday rather than making a return visit to Punchestown next week.
The Slad trainer has yet to make a final decision, but feels the Esher feature may be the better option instead of the BoyleSports Champion Chase next Tuesday, despite the fact God's Own won the Grade One Ryanair Novice Chase at the County Kildare venue last spring.
"We're leaning towards Sandown. He's taken his races very well, and he'll definitely get his ground there," said George.
"It's going to help travelling an hour and a half there (Sandown) rather than 12 hours by ferry (to Punchestown) and everything else.
"It's not set in concrete but we are leaning towards that direction.
"He seems to take his races unbelievably well. Physically, looking at him you wouldn't know he'd had a race this season. He's a round barrel of a horse and takes it in his stride.
"I think the two miles, though he'll get further, isn't taking that much out of him.
"We should see an improvement again when he goes right-handed, which is what he really enjoys."
God's Own has not been disgraced in the left-handed Festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree on his last two starts, finishing second in the Arkle Trophy and Maghull Novices' Chase.
