TOP northern trainer Phil Kirby is set to invade the Cotswolds on Saturday.
Hes entered stable star Top Ville Ben in the Gold Cup trial and is tempted to switch his sights to Cheltenham.
Newburys Denman Chase had been the plan but with a weaker field than anticipated in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase, Kirby has eyed up a shot at the Grade 2.
Kirby told Sun Racing: “Hes ready to run and we were going to see what turned up at Cheltenham and how it looked.
“Hes not a definite runner but with how its turned out I do think we are tempted to run him.
“Before the entries I was definitely swaying towards Newbury, but the Cotswold could have looked a lot worse for a Cheltenham race.”
Top Ville Ben ran a career best in the Rowland Meyrick on Boxing Day and the handicapper reacted by chucking him to a career high of 164.
It meant Kirby had little choice but to dream big and an entry in the Gold Cup was made.
Kirby added: “With that rating he has now we have little choice but to go for races like this. Whether its this or the Denman well see.
“I think well make a final decision later in the week and weigh it up properly with who decides to turn up.
“But hes not been priced up as a massive outsider and hed go there with a chance Id say.
“Hes much more relaxed these days and we can even drop him in his races which weve never been able to do. I think hell improve again for Wetherby too.”
