Cheltenham News: Vulcanite set for Festival prep

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 15 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Charlie Longsdon's Vulcanite will run at either Newbury or Sandown.

"He will definitely run on Friday at either Sandown or Newbury..."

Vulcanite will put the finishing touches to his Cheltenham preparations at either Newbury or Sandown on Friday...

Trainer Charlie Longsdon has still to decide on his destination but is favouring Sandown at this stage.

However, Longsdon wants to retain the successful partnership Vulcanite has struck up with Paddy Brennan and Brennan is due to ride Olofi in the rearranged Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

There is a chance the Sandown race could be divided, which would give Brennan a chance to ride at both meetings.

"He will definitely run on Friday at either Sandown or Newbury," said Longsdon.

"I'm leaning towards Sandown at the moment but Paddy is riding in the Betfair Hurdle.

"There is a chance, though, that the Sandown race could divide and that might enable Paddy to get there in time. If not, he'll probably run at Newbury."

Longsdon enjoyed his first trip to Musselburgh last Saturday where he sent out two winners and he is keen to get another run into impressive scorer West Brit.

"I'm keen on running him in the Fred Winter so we'll have to get him out again fairly quick," he added.

"He did exactly what he thought he'd do first time, but his breathing caught him out then."

Vulcanite, rated 135p by Timeform, can currently be backed at [14.5] for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.