Sports Line could go for Gold Donald McCain is considering a tilt at the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham with his exciting new recruit Sports Line. The seven-year-old mixed it at the highest level as a novice for Willie Mullins last season, signing off the campaign with a fine third in the Ryanair Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival. He has since moved across the Irish Sea and his Cheshire handler is excited about the season ahead. "We have given Sports Line an entry in the December Gold Cup and the race is an option for him," said McCain. "He's been given a rating of 149, so we are going to have to aim him at the big handicap chases and we will have a look at the Kelso Champion Chase as well. "It makes sense to keep our options open at the moment with the weather turning a little bit. "I was sent the horse by one of the part-owners a little over six weeks ago and he is a smashing horse to get. "I spoke to Willie Mullins and he thought that Sports Line would get further than two miles when he learns to settle, so we will be trying to go that route with him. "Unless I run him in the Tingle Creek, there are no two-mile chases for him. "He ran well in the Irish Arkle on heavy ground last season and he is a big, strong horse so soft ground shouldn't be a hindrance for him." A total of 32 entries have been received for the December Gold Cup with Paddy Power hero Little Josh, Dave's Dream, Noble Alan and Noland all in the reckoning.
