RACING: Colonel Braxton has been forced to miss Sunday's Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase but his trainer Dessie Hughes intends to give the SunAlliance hope a festival warm-up at Naas in 19 days' time.
"I had been hoping to run in both races but we took his blood at the weekend and it wasn't perfect. They never run at 100 per cent when their blood is like that, although he looks fine," Hughes said yesterday.
"We will just have to wait a week, take it again and see if he is all right. It shouldn't be a big thing and there is a Grade Three at Naas on the 24th. That should be right, time-wise, for Cheltenham.
"If he gets a run at Naas it should be enough, considering the way he ran and the way he jumped at Leopardstown in the Neville," he added.
In Colonel Braxton's absence, the Moriarty focus will be on the Arkle Cup winner, Assessed, and the Denny runner-up, Youlneverwalkalone, both of which will be accompanied by stable companions in the race.
Silver Steel is set to join Youlneverwalkalone while Assessed's trainer Willie Mullins confirmed: "Be My Royal will run alongside Assessed in the Moriarty."
Chepstow are to hold an inspection this afternoon to assess prospects for tomorrow's meeting which is threatened by rain.
