Willie Mullins’ smart two-mile chaser Golden Silver is almost certain to miss the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown and is likely to take his chance instead at Cork on the same day in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase on his first outing of the current campaign, writes Elliot Slater.
A 25/1 shot for both the Ryanair Chase and available at bigger prices with some firms for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in mid-March, the nine-year-old is set to make his belated seasonal reappearance having been absent from public view since running fourth behind Big Zeb in the Grade 1 Boylesports.com Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival in May.
It appears that nothing has been amiss with the nine-time winner and that his trainer has simply taken the view that after having a demanding time of things last term the gelded son of Mansonnien was entitled to a longer break than usual. Golden Silver’s task at Cork looks a fairly straight-forward one with him having officially having a stone in hand of his next highest rated rival Cooldine, a horse who has been struggling to find his form since the spring. Despite having to give weight away to all his rivals it will be disappointing if the expected market leaders fails to give a very good account of himself. Those looking for Cheltenham tips will be keeping a close eye on his efforts.
Last term saw Golden Silver win four times, including rattling up a hattrick following a second place finish to Big Zeb at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting with wins at Fairyhouse, Punchestown and Naas, on the second occasion gaining his revenge on Big Zeb in the Tied Cottage Chase. His winning run came to an end when fourth in the Queen Mother Champion Chase behind compatriot Sizing Europe, a race in which he nonetheless stayed on well from the home turn to be nearest at the finish.
