Somersby most likely for Champion

Henrietta Knight has confirmed the Queen Mother Champion Chase is the most likely Cheltenham Festival target for her stable star Somersby.

The seven-year-old was beaten just a short-head by dual Champion Chase hero Master Minded in last month's Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot and a rematch now looks to be on the cards.

The gelding is favourite with some bookmakers for the longer Ryanair Chase at the Festival, but Knight appears keen on a crack at the two-mile championship event.

Speaking on her website, the trainer said: "Somersby is extremely well and fresh.

"We have decided that his most likely race at Cheltenham will be the Champion Chase on the Wednesday. That is our aim."

Knight also issued an upbeat report on Grand National hope Calgary Bay, second at Cheltenham on Saturday.

"With Doncaster abandoned last Saturday, Calgary Bay, who was three-quarters of the way there, was re-routed to Cheltenham - his second preference," Knight added.

"After five hours in the horsebox, he ran a super race to finish second to Wishfull Thinking in the Murphy Group Chase. He will now have a rest and be prepared for the Grand National in April."