Hold Em Set For Cheltenham

Keith Goldsworthy is looking forward to running Hold Em on Saturday, with the Grade Two Ballymore Properties Hurdle at Cheltenham the preferred option for connections.

The six-year-old, who is also engaged in the rearranged Rossington Main Hurdle at Doncaster, won three of his four bumper starts and was only beaten a short-head in a Grade Two event at Ascot on his penultimate start.

He made the perfect start to his career over obstacles when barely coming off the bridle to score at Hereford last time and Goldsworthy is confident he will take this step up in class in his stride.

He said: 'Cheltenham is the preferred option. It is a step up but I was criticised last year for running Hills Of Aran in top-class races and he picked up over #20,000 in prize-money for his owners and is now an experienced novice.

'We've run Hold Em in one small race, picked up just over two grand and he's been slammed with a rating of 130 so I think I was right to do what I did.

'He won really well at Hereford last time and if ever there was an armchair ride, that was it.'

Timmy Murphy has ridden Hold Em on each of his five starts and Goldsworthy is hopeful he will be in the saddle once again.

He added: 'I think Timmy is available and if he is he'll take the ride. We have Richard Johnson lined up if that became a problem but it isn't an issue at this stage.

'The horse is open to more improvement, the ground won't be a problem and I think he's good enough to win it. Hills Of Aran is rated 140 and wouldn't get near this fellow on the track.'

(C) PA Sport