Leopardstown or Newbury for Tidal Bay Paul Nicholls hasn't decided whether to bring Tidal Bay over for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday. The evergreen veteran won the Lexus in 2012 on his only previous visit to Ireland, but has an alternative engagement in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on Saturday. Nicholls said: "I have confirmed him for the Hennessy but I told Graham (Wylie, owner) I'd enter him for the Denman as it's easier than him going over to Leopardstown. "I've not made my mind up, we'll see how the week pans out. If it's testing he could run at Newbury but he could still go to Ireland." The Ditcheat handler has warned that Al Ferof could bypass the Denman Chase if the ground is too testing. Should he miss the Grade Two over three miles, the grey would go straight for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup or possibly the Ryanair Chase. "I'd like to see decent ground for him and I suspect if it's testing he will end up waiting for Cheltenham," said Nicholls. "John (Hales, owner) is mad keen to go for the Gold Cup, but he has a Ryanair entry and if it stays very soft that's an option."
