McCoy Takes Exotic Gold Ride

Tony McCoy has opted to partner Exotic Dancer in next week's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

McCoy has won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Letheby And Christopher Chase aboard the Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old this season but he also had the choice of riding French raider L'Ami.

The latter ran hot favourite Kauto Star to a neck last time and is owned by JP McManus, who has first call on McCoy but has decided to wave his retainer.

McCoy told the Daily Telegraph: 'The boss very kindly gave me the choice but it wasn't easy.

'If they both get there it looks like I'll be riding Exotic Dancer, purely because of his form at Cheltenham this season when he's been virtually unbeatable.

'L'Ami ran a terrific race just behind Kauto Star last time and wouldn't have to improve much to be thereabouts.'

Exotic Dancer is a best-priced 5-1 with Coral while L'Ami is 16-1 with the same firm for the Gold Cup.

(C) PA Sport