News More Of That pleases in Newbury spin with RSA Chase likely target

More Of That pleases in Newbury spin with RSA Chase likely target

racing

Jonjo O'Neill labelled More Of That his best chance of a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, with the RSA Chase looking favourite at this stage.

The 2014 World Hurdle winner took part in a racecourse school and gallop before racing began at Newbury on Friday.

Working with Sir Anthony McCoy-ridden stablemate Eastlake, who is preparing for another crack at the Grand Annual, Barry Geraghty rode More Of That.

The pair jumped off down the back straight jumping several fences, including the notoriously tricky cross fence, before coasting up the home straight, with More Of That finishing just in front.

Both are owned by JP McManus, who said: "They (O'Neill and Geraghty) seem to be pleased. I'd say the RSA is the most likely race, but you don't know what the ground will be like.

"He's in every race and he's there for a reason. I'd say he'll be better on better ground and on his day he's a good horse."

Geraghty said: "He jumped nicely and felt well, it was a nice piece of work. Ground will dictate where he goes, there's no rush.

"He's done all his winning over two and a half miles bar one race. He's versatile and I'd be happy whatever race he is in."

O'Neill said: "I'm happy, we just wanted to do this. He's a better horse on better ground, we know that.

"He's my best chance of the Festival, without a doubt. We are leaning towards the RSA, although he is also in the JLT and World Hurdle.

"We are looking at going that way. Nobody has told me anything has changed, but that is not for me to decide. We will see what's what, but in every conversation we've had I imagine that is the way he is going.

"He is a lovely, sensible horse that is very straightforward and I am lucky to have him. If he turns up there the same way he did for the World Hurdle he will take some beating."