Cape Tribulation wins at Cheltenham last year© Photo Healy Racing
Cape Tribulation is set to take his chance in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup after he was taken out of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
Trainer Malcolm Jefferson and owner David Abell have decided to go for the blue riband prize in what looks a wide-open year.
Cape Tribulation, winner of last year's Pertemps Hurdle Final, earned the right to be in the field when beating 2010 Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander in the Argento Chase on Festival Trials Day last month.
"I've spoken to David (Abell) and we think three-miles-two is better than three miles of the World Hurdle, so we took him out of that," said the North Yorkshire handler.
"I think there could be a big field in the World Hurdle. Everybody will try their chances with Big Buck's out. He stays well and I think it's worth taking a punt. He's in good nick and has come out of that race (Argento) well.
"He always seems to run well there and he's won twice, so he's a horse that likes the course."
Jefferson also scratched Attaglance from the World Hurdle and will consider last year's Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle scorer for the Pulteney Land Novices' Handicap Chase on the opening day if the ground is suitable.
"I've taken him out of the World Hurdle as well. He's got an entry in that two-mile-five 0-140 novice handicap chase, but he will only run if it is good ground," said Jefferson.
