Mr Big makes Czech Republic trip

Charlie Mann is confident of a bold showing from Mr Big in Sunday's Velka Pardubicka.

Mann, speaking to www.cdhorseracingtours.com on Monday said: "Mr Big is in very good form and ran a decent race at Stratford (September 21), he ran a little free, but it should have put him spot-on.

"He has enjoyed a good preparation going into the race and with another year under his belt his jumping is better and he is a lot sharper over his fences.

"Last year's run in the race (Velka Pardubicka) will obviously help his chances and he has enjoyed his cross-country racing at Cheltenham.

"Mr Big left for Pardubice at 6am on Sunday (October 3) and will spend tonight in Cologne, before making the trip by road to Pardubice, I intend to school him myself on Friday and everyone at the yard and all the connections are hopeful and looking forward to a good run."

Meanwhile, Enda Bolger has confirmed that Freneys Well won't be making the trip to the Czech Republic after suffering a set-back in his build-up.

A reflective Bolger exclusively told www.cdhorseracingtours.com: "I'm afraid Freneys Well is a non-runner. He overstretched at a pole and despite being on the easy list and resting we've been told by the vet that he needs three weeks' complete rest.

"So that is that, it has just come at the wrong time in his final preparations. I do wonder if we're ever going to get to Pardubice! We start off with two (Freneys Welll and Drombeag - retired due to injury) and end up with none.

"It's disappointing for everyone even Nina (Carberry) is hanging her head about the news."