Dancer embarks on Irish trip
Exotic Dancer has set out on his trip to Ireland for a crack at Sunday’s Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old could clash with 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition and former Lexus winner The Listener in the Grade One feature after connections decided to bypass Friday’s King George VI Chase.
Although Exotic Dancer has been left in the St Stephen's Day highlight at Kempton, O’Neill’s first choice was always a trip to Ireland after the gelding finished second and third at the Sunbury venue over the last two years.
“He’s left the yard and is on his way now,” confirmed O’Neill. “I think everything will be OK but we just wanted to cover our backs (by declaring at Kempton).
“The ferry goes later today and he is travelling across with The Listener and Paul Nicholls’ runner (Tatenen).
“He’s been in good form and we are hoping he will show us something.
“The Lexus looks a better option as I don’t think Kempton really suits him.
“We’ve tried making the running with him and tried dropping him in but neither plan worked so it’s time to try something different with him.”
Exotic Dancer has not won a race since claiming Aintree’s Betfair Bowl in April 2007 and was last seen finishing third in last month’s Betfair Chase at Haydock.
