Owner Rich Ricci admits that he is keen to ‘take on the challenge’ of the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Vautour.
Back in March, trainer Willie Mullins made a last-minute decision to swerve the Blue Ribband in favour of the shorter trip in the Ryanair Chase – which Vautour duly won with great ease.
Mullins had been unhappy with the work Vautour was doing at home but he had little trouble in extending his unbeaten record at the Cheltenham Festival to three.
Ricci says that Vautour is likely to have a prep run before any potential return to the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day but, ultimately, it appears the Gold Cup will be the key target this season.
“I have a gut feeling he doesn’t like going right-handed as much, he doesn’t have the same cut at his fences as he does going left-handed in my opinion.
“That being said last year’s King George feels like one that got away so there is every possibility he will go back there.
“He will need a run beforehand as he is a great big gross horse.” On the subject of Cheltenham and Vautour seeing out the Gold Cup trip, Ricci concedes that until he proves it on the track there are many well placed experts that will suggest it is beyond him.
“In hindsight he won the Ryanair [last season] so it was the right decision but I do want to see him tackle the Gold Cup if there was some decent ground, while at the same time I am well aware there are many who say he will never stay three and a quarter miles,” he added.
“I would like to take on the challenge with him. When he is on song everything seems to come easily to him but getting him to pitch perfect is a challenge.”
Vautour is 8.00 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March while he is 4.00 to win the King George at Kempton next month.
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