'A pivotal moment for Vinndication' - Kim Bailey ready to take on Cyrname

Kim Bailey is eager to find out whether Vinndication can prove worthy of being the yard's first Cheltenham Gold Cup runner in 25 years by exploiting a “potentially vulnerable” Cyrname in Saturday’s bet365 Charlie Hall Chase clash.

The seven-year-old is stepping out of handicaps and into Grade 2 company for his reappearance, with Bailey hoping for a big performance to build his season around a Cheltenham Gold Cup bid. Bailey has not had a runner in the Gold Cup since the success of Master Oats in 1995.

Vinndication is rated 15lb lower than the Paul Nicholls-trained Cyrname, but Britain’s highest-rated chaser does not scare Bailey, who knows he has yet to win going left-handed or over the 3m trip.

“I have to go there thinking Cyrname is potentially vulnerable,” said Bailey. “He had a hard race first time last season and it took him a while to get over it and he’s never won left-handed.

“I think it’s the most competitive Charlie Hall that I’ve seen in a very long time, there’s loads of good horses in there and it’ll take a good one to win it. We’ll give it our best shot.”

Cyrname: yet to win going left-handed or over the 3m tripCredit: Getty Images

Saturday’s run will indicate whether Vinndication will tackle big Graded prizes or return to handicaps this season. As a novice, he won at Grade 2 level and was fifth in the JLT. In his only two starts last season, he dazzled in the Sodexo Gold Cup before a mighty fourth off top-weight at the Cheltenham Festival.

He is currently a 50-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race connections will be aiming him at if he puts in a good performance at Wetherby.

On whether he could emerge into a Gold Cup contender, Bailey said: “I very much hope he could be and that’s one of the reasons we decided to go this route. The horse is fit, the runners from the yard are going very well and if he’s ever going to be good enough to take on the top-class it has to be on Saturday.

Watch Vinndication's stylish Sodexo Gold Cup victory last season

“I’m delighted with him and his work has been very good. He’s a stronger horse now than he’s been before and I go there with confidence that the horse is in the best form he’s been in. It’s just a question of how good he is.

“It’s a very big day for us and a pivotal moment in the horse's career.”

Ten runners were declared for the Charlie Hall, including Sam Spinner, who is unbeaten in three starts over fences, last year’s winner Ballyoptic and Grade 1-winning mare La Bague Au Roi.

The bet365 Hurdle, traditionally known as the West Yorkshire Hurdle, is another quality contest with Lisnagar Oscar making his first start since his Stayers’ Hurdle success.

Among his rivals are Roksana, Copperhead and Next Destination, who will make his first start for Nicholls. He was last seen winning at Punchestown in 2017 for Willie Mullins.

Thyme Hill: misses Wetherby with connections opting to wait for the Long Distance HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Ante-post favourite Thyme Hill did not feature among the nine final declarations. Trainer Philip Hobbs is now aiming him at the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on November 27, setting him up for a tantalising clash with Paisley Park.

Hobbs said: “He could do with a bit more time, it’s nothing more than that. He’s won at Newbury before so the race in three weeks time would suit him now.”

Runners & riders for the Charlie Hall Chase

Ballyoptic Sam Twiston-Davies
Cyrname Harry Cobden
Definitly Red Henry Brooke
Vinndication David Bass
Sam Spinner Joe Colliver
Aye Right Callum Bewley
Keeper Hill Adrian Heskin
Mister Whitaker Jonathan Burke
Saint Xavier Kielan Woods
La Bague Au Roi Adam Wedge

bet365: 7-4 Cyrname, 10-3 Sam Spinner, 5 Vinndication, 6 Ballyoptic, 9 Definitly Red, 20 Keeper Hill, La Bague Au Roi, Mister Whitaker, 40 Aye Right, 66 Saint Xavier

Read more if you were interested in this . . .

Monday Postcast: 'I'm confused by Cyrname' – Graeme Rodway questions Charlie Hall favourite

Deep freeze speeds Jack Kennedy to miraculous recovery in time for big weekend

Delta Work and Presenting Percy head the market as stars circle for Down Royal

Where stars are born: will we see another Envoi Allen or Samcro at Down Royal?

Unbeaten Envoi Allen among stellar cast at Down Royal on Friday

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members’ Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!