English/Ire
‘He’s not for sale’ – Redknapp and Pauling bullish ahead of The Jukebox Man’s Gold Cup challenge
Harry Redknapp has revealed that his star staying chaser The Jukebox Man ‘is not for sale at any price’ as he gears up for a crack at the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Trained by Ben Pauling on behalf of notable owner Harry Redknapp, The Jukebox Man provided the duo with the biggest success of their racing career when battling on bravely to prevail in a thrilling King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The eight-year-old will now have to step up to three and a quarter miles when he heads to Prestbury Park to compete in Cheltenham's most coveted prize, but Pauling believes he goes where with as good a chance as any.
He said: "People say he isn't very quick, but it was a course record in the King George. I think the Gold Cup is a good race. He's not a showman and he does what he has to do,"
"After his return in the autumn coming back from an injury it was a steady start. I was nervous he wasn't fit enough for Haydock, but he exceeded our expectations there, while the King George was an exceptional day.
"He's come out of the King George very well and in fact better than I expected. I could have put a Denman Chase into him, but I didn't think he needed it.
"Having a horse of his calibre in such good form going into the Gold Cup is extremely exciting. I'm hoping we can get him there in the form I know he can be, but I personally think it will be less of a test for him than the King George.
"He is uncomplicated and can operate just as effectively on any track. You have to be able to jump and travel and don't want to be behind and missing fences when it will become hard work.
"I firmly believe he will stay and be much more effective over this longer trip than three miles.
"It was only his tenacity and will to win the enabled him to get back in front at Kempton."
This year's renewal has something of an open look to it with two-time winner Galopin Des Champs defeated on both starts this campaign and as a result, Ben Pauling's charge is a general 5/1 chance.
"Looking at the race it's a little bit like the King George, there's not a standout horse in the field," said Pauling. "But you can bet your bottom dollar that on the day there will be.
"In the King George he had a lot of questions to answer. He was only rated 158, he had to step forward 15lb and he did."
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