Simon Sherwood has decided against running Suny Bay, last year's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner, in the Newbury feature next Saturday. The nine-year-old was an impressive winner of the Edward Hanmer Chase on his seasonal reappearance at Haydock on Wednesday but the trainer feels a quick return to action may be asking too much of the dual Grand National runner-up.
"We just feel that 12st 4lb is a bit much to carry and nine days is a little bit tight," he said yesterday. "Every championship race like the Edward Hanmer is always going to be a tough race to win and although he won it well, nine days is a bit tight and 12st 4lb is a bit much.
"He will go for the Rehearsal Chase or the Tommy Whittle, or possibly both. He has come out of the race fine. He has lost about 15 kilos, which you would expect, but he is putting it back on rapidly and has been out in the paddock for the last couple of days - he seems very happy."
Suny Bay carried 11st 8lb to victory in the Hennessy 12 months ago when in the care of the now retired Charlie Brooks.
Apprentice Robbie Fitzpatrick collected a four-day ban for excessive use of the whip aboard the unplaced Well Smart in the Dunston Claiming Stakes at Southwell yesterday. His suspension covers December 1st, 2nd, 5th and 7th.
John Dunlop has delayed Taipan's retirement to allow the six-year-old to tackle next month's Hong Kong International Vase at Sha Tin.
His original plan was for the quadruple Group One winner to go to stud in Ireland after the horse's repeat victory in the Group One Premio Roma earlier this month. But an extra place has become available in the Group Two event on December 13th. Dunlop's racing secretary Marcus Hosgood said: "The horse is very well and is due to travel to Hong Kong on December 4th. Pat Eddery rides."
Europe's allocation of places was increased after the selected South African and Dubai candidates dropped out. The other selected European runners are the Clive Brittain-trained dual winner Luso, Paul Cole's Posidonas plus German pair Caitano and Ungaro.
