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'The further he goes the better' - Meade on his Gold Cup hope

Press Association

Press Association

Affordale Fury (nearside) and Sam EwingAffordale Fury (nearside) and Sam Ewing
© Healy Racing Photos

Noel Meade has his team in good form at present with a double at Fairyhouse yesterday and is considering a tilt at the Grade 1 Savills Chase with Affordale Fury at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The Affinisea gelding has returned in good form this season filling the runner-up spot behind Envoi Allen in the BetVictor Champion Chase at Down Royal before going one better in the Listed Racing TV Club Day Chase at Thurles.

Gold Cup Aspirations Drive Leopardstown Plans

“We might run him in the Savills,” said the Castletown trainer.

“We’re thinking he might end up running in the Gold Cup so if he was going there, he’d probably run in that. The further he goes the better.

“Everything has gone good with him since he ran at Thurles.

“I really thought in Thurles that the ground was too quick for him. Watching the race I was half worried because he didn’t jump and he didn’t seem to meet a stride, but he came home well out of it.

We might run him in the Savills

“He’s a nice big horse. He’s been unlucky, a few things have held him up for different reasons.”

Affordale Fury is among 21 entries for the Savills Chase on December 28 which include Fact To File Inothewayurthinkin Fastorslow and Galopin Des Champs who has won this three-mile Grade 1 for the past two years.