Briareus Ruled Out Of Weekend Run

Briareus could attempt a second consecutive victory in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton next month after infection scuppered a possible outing over fences at Ascot this weekend.

Andrew Balding's gelding romped home at the Somerset track by 14 lengths last season before taking sixth place in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

This year his attentions have been switched to novice chasing and he obliged at his second attempt in the Scanmoor Noel Novices' Chase back at Ascot in December, beating subsequent winner Knight Legend.

'Plans are very fluid at the moment. He's not going to be ready for the Lightning Novices' Chase at Ascot this weekend, which we were going to run in, because he picked up a minor respiratory infection,' reported the Kingsclere-based trainer.

'He's not likely to run in the Baileys Arkle at Leopardstown this month either and unless I can find him another novice chase, I might give him a run over hurdles instead.

'He's been given antibiotics and I think he could be seen next back in the Kingwell Hurdle.'

Seven-year-old Briareus is a 14-1 shot for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase at Cheltenham and is also entered in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, but Balding is not looking too far ahead.

'He's a possibility for the Arkle but again, we've got to play it by ear,' he said. 'It depends where he gets his ground, as of course there are races at Punchestown and Aintree too.'

? PA Sport