Ar Mad to revert to handicap company at Sandown
The West Sussex trainer is keen for the Tingle Creek third to return to handicap company at Sandown next month in search of a confidence boosting performance.
GARY MOORE will run Ar Mad in handicap company on his next start following his third-place finish in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month.
The eight-year-old chaser was sidelined for the best part of a year after finishing a close-up fourth in the 2016 edition of the Tingle Creek Chase.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £30 BET Stick a tenner on Templegate's tips and get this great offer from Sun Bets
He put in a disappointing performance on his return to action in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November, finishing pulled-up.
However, he produced a better display at Sandown when he picked up minor honours behind Politologue and Fox Norton.
Moore is hoping the drop in grade will aid his efforts to get Ar Mad back on the winning trail.
The West Sussex handler said: "Ar Mad is in good form and I think we're going to run him in a handicap at Sandown on February 3. That's the plan."
NEXT BEST 3.20 Lingfield - Nautical Haven: 'Good record on the all-weather and a decent effort last time'
TREBLE 6.15 Newcastle - Wiff Waff: 'Can improve having recently been gelded (sorry mate)!'
The five-year-old was thrown in at the deep end on his racecourse debut at Ascot last month, but justified the decision when third in Listed company behind leading Champion Bumper candidate Didtheyleaveuoutto and Newbury sales race winner Bullionaire.
Moore added: "He could run at Newbury next Wednesday or we could wait for the bumper at Fontwell the following Sunday.
"We want to try and get a win into him if we can and then go for a decent bumper after that.
"The owner likes having runners at Cheltenham, so the Champion Bumper could be a possibility if he wins next time."