King George winner Clan Des Obeaux is back in training as his recovery continues after his suspensory tendon injury and could be set to return in the spring for Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old has won five Grade Ones and is targeting a record third Betway Bowl title on tof he 13th April.
Clan Des Obeaux has finished in the top two in 21/31 races, earning prize money in excess of £1 million. He was last raced when finishing second to Allaho in the Punchestown Gold Cup in April. He had won the same race a year before.
Nicholls said, “He’s fine and just started back in work so we’re going to see if we can get him to Aintree. It’s a long way down the line but that’s what we’re aiming for.”
The trainer landed this season’s King George with Bravemansgame, who is now targeting the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Frodon, who managed a respectable third place, has been entered for the Gold Cup but his path will likely depend on his his next start with Taunton’s Portman Cup a likely option.
Nicholls said: “Frodon showed all his usual enthusiasm at Kempton and came out of the race well. He’ll either run in the Portman Cup at Taunton [January 21] if we’re happy with him or possibly the Denman Chase at Newbury [February 11]. He has an entry for the Gold Cup but we’ll see what happens on his next start and make a plan from there.”
Hitman bled in the King George and was pulled up by Sam Twiston-Davies, and will be readied for the spring.
“He made that bad mistake and had a small bleed at Kempton but he’s absolutely fine now and cantering away,” said Nicholls. “There’s no plan for him yet but he’ll be back out in the spring.”
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