Forward Team Play The Waiting Game

In-form trainer Carl Llewellyn revealed Paddy Power Gold Cup fancy Too Forward will not run if conditions are riding fast at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The 10-year-old was mightily impressive when winning a Listed handicap at Wetherby at the Charlie Hall meeting and is as low as 10-1 with Coral for the showpiece race at the weekend.

The gelding suffered from leg problems when in the care of Mark Pitman and Llewellyn is reluctant to risk him on quick ground.

'He's fine. We are happy with him and we are going to work him tomorrow and see how he goes before we make a decision,' said Llewellyn.

'Obviously we are still going to take it day by day but the biggest worry now is the prospect of quickish ground.

'Unless it is proper good ground we won't be touching it. If it is any way on the fast side of good he will not run.

'He does go on good ground but his legs probably wouldn't take it. He has had leg problems in the past so we would probably err on the side of caution.

'It probably applies to all ours this weekend but especially him.'

Too Forward chased home Our Vic over course and distance in April and his handler admits it would be disappointing if he had to miss the race.

'He has run some really good races at Cheltenham so it would be a real shame if we had to miss it,' confirmed Llewellyn.

'If he does run, Tony Dobbin would ride him.'

(C) PA Sport