Green Set For Festival

Turpin Green is set to head straight to the Cheltenham Festival after finishing a narrow second at Sandown.

Nicky Richards? seven-year-old was only a neck behind winner Napolitain in the Grade One totesport Scilly Isles? Novices? Chase despite nearly refusing when in front at the final fence.

Although Turpin Green was at a virtual standstill, he got going again on the run-in and only failed to prevail by a narrow margin.

Richards could offer no reason for Turpin Green?s performance but he is still aiming the gelding at the three-mile Royal & SunAlliance Chase.

He said: 'He goes straight for the SunAliance but as Mr Hemmings said to me this morning, there?s a lot of water to go under the bridge before Cheltenham.'

Turpin Green is as low as 16-1 with Paddy Power for the Festival event.

(C) PA Sport