Sounds Russian will not be travelling to Kelso on Saturday as connections decided to swerve his entry in the Listed Premier Chase in favour of a tilt at the Boodles Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
Sounds Russian has caught the eye this season, kicking off with success in the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso on debut in October, before placing fourth behind reigning Grand National hero and leading Gold Cup contender Noble Yeats in the Many Clouds at Aintree.
The eight-year-old was then second in both the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby and the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham – a trial for the Gold Cup in which he was beaten just a length a half by Ahoy Senor, but at the same time reversed the form with the third-placed Noble Yeats.
With connections pondering options, the decision was made not to declare for this weekend and put all focus on a trip to Prestbury Park in two weeks time.
"The owners came on Tuesday and were quite keen to let him take his chance in the Gold Cup, so that's where we're going," said trainer Ruth Jefferson, who is the daughter of the late Malcolm Jefferson.
"I've never had a runner (in the Gold Cup) myself, I suppose we ran a couple in it (when her father was training), so it'll be nice to have a crack.
"I'm realistic about his chances, but he's a versatile, straightforward horse and he doesn't do a lot wrong.
"Sean Quinlan will ride him, he's ridden him round there now and so he should know what to do as the situation presents itself.
"I don't think they'll let the ground get quick, but it's going to be challenging for them. He's not ground dependent though, let's be honest."
