Gentlemansgame© Photo Healy Racing
Mouse Morris is set to pitch Gentlemansgame into top level company in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal early next month.
The Gentlewave gelding beat Irish National winner I Am Maximus in impressive fashion on his chase debut at Leopardstown last Christmas.
He missed the rest of last season and reappeared with a highly promising effort to chase home the experienced Easy Game in Grade 2 company at Gowran Park late last month.
On just his third chase outing the seven-year-old is now set to tackle Grade 1 winning rivals in the three-miler, which could include Envoi Allen, Minella Indo and Gerri Colombe.
On a clip posted on Down Royal's twitter feed Morris told journalist Dave Keena:-
“We're just lacking a bit of match practice, being a novice, as he's only run in the two chases so I'd be anxious to get a run with him.
“He jumped well (in Gowran) in amongst a couple of good handicappers. He is a good jumper but you still can't beat experience.
“He's had his few problems and that's why he didn't run again after Leopardstown but he seems in good fettle now.”
When asked if he thought he'd improve for his comeback run in Gowran he added:-
“I hope so, he'd need to come on a stone at least to be competitive in a Grade 1. He stays well, he probably just lacks a gear so he'll want all of three miles.
“The only thing that would be against him is lack of experience, especially when you get in against Grade 1 horse it's quite difficult no matter how well they jump.
“I'd just be hoping for a good run and I'd be happy if he was in the first three. I wouldn't be asking too much of him just yet.”
