Star Fine After Cheltenham Eclipse Star De Mohaison is firmly on course to return to fences after pleasing connections on his comeback outing over hurdles at Cheltenham.The Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham, the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown and Newbury's Aon Chase are under consideration for the 2006 Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner, trained by Paul Nicholls.The seven-year-old is a 25-1 chance with the sponsors for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in a market dominated by stable companions Kauto Star and Denman.Star De Mohaison is reported to be in good nick after finishing third to Hills Of Aran in a handicap hurdle in his first race for 13 months.'He's absolutely fine. We've trotted him up and he's in good shape,' said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.'We went into the race thinking we would probably win it, but at the same time we have to take into account he'd been off for 13 months ? that's a long time.'We were pleased with the way he travelled in the race. There was plenty of enthusiasm there, which is what we were hoping for.'That was the first time he'd been on grass after working on the all-weather.'It was tacky ground which was not ideal for him. He either goes on loose ground or on top of the ground.'He's a very good-actioned horse. Tacky ground doesn't help him. I'm not throwing that up as an excuse but it was one of the reasons he got tired.'He will take in one of the trial races next ? wherever that may be ? wherever the ground is best.'(C) PA Sport
