Demon Doubtful For Uttoxeter Henrietta Knight has virtually ruled out sending Racing Demon to Uttoxeter next week and is looking to get a much-needed run into her star novice chaser at either Lingfield or Sandown. The Wantage trainer pulled the six-year-old out of a race at Ludlow yesterday because she considered the ground too quick. Racing Demon is ante-post favourite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March having won both his starts over fences, but he has missed several engagements recently over concerns about the going, including the Wayward Lad Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day. The Old Vic gelding may be given an entry in the Black Tulip Novices´ Chase at Uttoxeter next Wednesday but is more likely to wait for the Lightning Novices´ Chase at Lingfield a week tomorrow or the Scilly Isles Novices´ Chase at Sandown on February 4. 'The race at Uttoxeter looks attractive but all the experts tell me the ground will be appalling,' said Knight. 'I don´t think he´ll run at Uttoxeter, but I might just put an entry in. It´s not very expensive to enter. It´s doubtful he´ll go there though as apparently there´s a lot more rain forecast and the ground could become like a bog. 'I will enter him at Lingfield and if that doesn´t work he´s in for the Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown on February 4. Those are the two main options. 'It´s rained and the Railway Fences won´t be like they were on Boxing Day. 'I don´t think running on the February 4 will be too near Cheltenham. It´s the right amount of time, but if anybody else comes up with any ideas I´m open to offers. 'I´ve been going through it all very carefully.' Knight reported Racing Demon to be in tip-top form after his abortive trip to Ludlow. 'He´s very well. It´s quite difficult to keep him on the boil for too long without a run now,' she went on. 'He´s been long cantering this morning. He´s very full of himself and now he´s out in a field. 'It´s a very strange winter with this weather. It´s one of the most difficult winters we´ve had. 'You don´t very often get a horse the calibre of him and you´ve got to look after him.' ? PA Sport
