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Trainer Joe Tizzard insists that the Boodles Gold Cup is still the target for Eldorado Allen, despite finishing a modest fifth to Zanza when bidding for back-to-back Denman Chase successes at Newbury.
Owned by John Romans and Terry Warner, Eldorado Allen has won four of his 16 starts over fences and was a creditable third to Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham following his victory in last season's Denman Chase.
A repeat of that Newbury success looked on the cards for the well-supported nine-year-old last week, when he was disputing the lead before being headed four out in a race that was run in a time more than 13 seconds quicker than standard.
Despite the setback Tizzard remains upbeat about his charge's prospects, although he admits that his current 66/1 outsider is likely to be vying for minor honours in the Cheltenham Festival's blue riband event on March 17.
"There was a bit of disappointment, but as it turned out they went too quick," said Tizzard of his latest effort under Brendan Powell .
"The front three horses took each other on and blew themselves out. It was a very fast time and it suited hold-up horses.
"In hindsight, we should have just settled in behind the front two, but those were not the tactics going out there, so I think you can just put a line through that run.
"John and Terry are still keen to run in a Gold Cup, so we'll take our chance and he might run into a place at best."
Meanwhile, Elixir De Nutz, who finished a creditable runner-up to Funambule Sivola in the Game Spirit Chase on the same card, looks set to go back up in trip.
Owned by Warner, the nine-year-old has proved ultra consistent, winning three of his 11 starts over fences and finishing runner-up on another four occasions.
Though he stayed on well after finding the pace a little quick in the extended two-mile Grade Two event, Tizzard feels he will be better with added distance.
"Unless it is a bit soft, two and a half miles will be his thing now," said the Dorset handler.
"It was a lovely run. The handicapper was sensible and put him up about 2lb.
"We'll enter him in the Grand Annual and the two-and-a-half-miler (the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase, over two miles and five furlongs).
"If the ground went soft, he might stay at two (for the Grand Annual), but two and a half is ideal for him."