Trainer Ben Pauling is considering launching The Jukebox Man’s chasing career in Grade Two company at Newbury during the Coral Gold Cup meeting.
Owned by Harry Redknapp, The Jukebox Man impressed last season, narrowly missing out in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March after leading most of the way. Pauling is eyeing the John Francome Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles as a fitting stage for the talented six-year-old’s transition to fences.
"He is a huge talent," Pauling said. "He ran very well at Cheltenham and Aintree last year, just getting pipped both times. He’s a lovely horse for the future and jumps very well."
"He’s not necessarily a brilliant workhorse—on the all-weather, he just does what he needs to. But you put him on grass, and he motors."
Meanwhile, Pauling may also have a contender in the feature Coral Gold Cup with Henry’s Friend, whose season opener over hurdles has bolstered confidence.
"We’ve had an interrupted prep for the Coral Gold Cup, but Newbury remains our main aim," Pauling explained. "His first outing was a nice gallop round, and it qualified him for the Pertemps. He came back a completely different horse."
"We know he likes the track and has no concerns about the trip—fingers crossed for decent ground, as he wouldn’t want it to go heavy."
The Jukebox Man and Henry’s Friend look poised to make a strong impact at Newbury’s premier meeting.