Fighting Talk From George

Tom George is hopeful of a good run from Idle Talk in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

The Stroud trainer reported the seven-year-old was in fine shape for the big race following his pleasing reappearance earlier this month when he was only beaten half a length by My Will at Cheltenham.

He won his first two races as a novice last season and was second to Star De Mohaison in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before winding up with a fourth to Run For Paddy in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April.

'We're delighted with him and he's definitely an intended runner at this stage. We just hope everything goes well between now and Saturday,' said George.

'He was in front a long time at Cheltenham and idled in front, but he ran on again when he got some company.

'He's come out of it very well. He was pretty fit for that run so hopefully he'll come on for it. I'm glad we're going to Newbury with a run under our belt than not.

'As he travels well in his races, he's not under pressure for long so it's not as though he's finding it that difficult and having a hard time.

'He didn't quite last home in the Scottish National last season, but he's a stronger horse now. We must go there with a small chance, at least.'

The second-season chaser is available at around 12-1 for the valuable staying handicap at the weekend.

? PA Sport