Dancer on track for Roan bid
Exotic Dancer is on course to take on his old adversary Kauto Star in the bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Sunday.
As long as the ground is suitable, Jonjo O’Neill’s tough chaser, who finished runner-up to Paul Nicholls’ ace in the King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup, will make his seasonal debut.
“I would think that is the plan. Obviously like everybody else we would like to see a bit of rain,” said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.
“Ground permitting, we are an intended runner. We are very happy with the way he’s gone through the summer.
“Trip-wise, it is not ideal for him round there but it’s a starting point and we need to get a race into him before we start looking at the major prizes this season.
“The wonderful thing for racing and for Aintree is that they should get a bumper crowd there.”
Despite his two defeats to Kauto Star, Exotic Dancer still enjoyed a memorable term with victories in the Paddy Power and Boylesports Gold Cup, the Letheby And Christopher Chase and the Betfair Bowl.
