Newbury Option For Kingscliff Kingscliff could return to action in the AON Chase at Newbury on February 11 after his disappointing display in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on St Stephen's Day. The Robert Alner-trained eight-year-old started second favourite behind Kicking King, but could never get in a blow after making a bad mistake at the 10th fence and was eventually pulled up by Tony Dobbin. Alner told BBC Sport: 'Tony was more than happy with him. He jumped the Railway Fences accurately and Tony said he was really travelling and was just cruising off a decent pace. 'He came to the ditch and left his hind legs in it. Obviously he´s pulled his back somehow. After that it was game over. He didn´t pick up from there and was eventually pulled up. 'There may be a problem with him, but it´s not evident at the moment. 'The Gold Cup is still the target and I hope to get him back before then - he needs to go out there and do it. The AON at Newbury in February might be an option. 'I´d never had the horse better so it´s very disappointing.' Kingscliff had been in line for the inaugural Betfair Million bonus after taking the first of three legs in the series at Haydock last month. The final leg is the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in March for which Kingscliff is now a best-priced 10-1 with William Hill.(C) PA Sport
