Bailey biding his time with Vinndication plan

KIM Bailey is in no rush to formulate the next plan of attack with Vinndication after unseating in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

After filling the runner-up spot behind the top-class Cyrname on his seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, the sevenyear-old was one of the leading fancies for Newbury’s prestigious handicap, but parted company with David Bass before the business end.

Andoversford trainer Bailey reported earlier this week that Vinndication was found to be lame following the race, but with X-rays having showed no fracture, he was on the gallops last Friday morning.

“He’s back cantering. I don’t know where we’ll go next, we’ll just see how he progresses from here,” said the trainer.

Vinndication retains an entry in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, for which he is 25-1 with the sponsors.

But if he does run, Bailey says he will not be joined by impressive Ascot winner Imperial Aura.

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival in a handicap in March, Imperial Aura handled the step into Grade Two company with aplomb, winning by five lengths on his last run.

Already favourite for the Ryanair Chase in March, there was talk in some quarters that Bailey might be tempted to roll the dice over three miles - but that is not on the current agenda.

Kempton’s Silviniaco Conti Chase in January, won by Frodon last season, or the Ascot Chase in February appear to be his potential stepping stones to Cheltenham.

“His season’s target is the Ryanair, and that’s what he’ll be geared up to,” said Bailey.

“He’ll either run at Kempton or Ascot next, but the King George is not part of that equation.”