Rain could prove a pain for Kangaroo Court

Top chasing prospect Kangaroo Court is likely to be put away and saved for a spring campaign if he does not take up an intended engagement at Cheltenham on Sunday.

Having impressively won novice events at Uttoxeter and Cheltenham this autumn, trainer Emma Lavelle decided to bypass the Rising Stars' Novices' Chase at Wincanton last Saturday because she says the five-year-old needs fast ground to show his best.

"We will keep a watch on the weather before making a decision about whether or not he goes to Cheltenham on Sunday," said Lavelle.

"He needs top of the ground, so if it rains he'll have a little holiday and come back in the spring."

Kangaroo Court is as low as 16-1 with the Tote for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The market is headed by stablemate Crack Away Jack, who was cut to 13-2 favourite for the two-mile novices' event after winning with authority at Sandown on Saturday.

Lavelle said: "Crack Away Jack has come out of the race well. I am delighted with him. The intention is to return to Sandown for the Henry VIII Chase there next month."

Meanwhile, Edward O'Grady's Osana failed to make a ripple in the market despite winning easily on his seasonal debut at Navan yesterday.

Arkle Trophy (Tote): 13-2 Crack Away Jack, 7 Sizing Europe, 9 Mikael D'Haguenet, 10 Tataniano, 11 Punchestowns, 12 Somersby, 14 Osana, 16 others.