Trainer Caroline Bailey today warned ante-post punters that Castle Mane will have to produce an "outstanding" performance on his reappearance if he is to take his chance in this season's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The gelding emerged last season as one of the top hunter chasers of recent years, winning the Christies Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham and the Kevin McManus Champion Hunters' Chase at Punchestown.
However, the eight-year-old must impress connections on his return next month if he is to take his place in the Festival showpiece, for which entries closed today.
Bailey said: "He has been entered. He came back to me in the first week in December and he seems to be in good form.
"A decision won't be made until he's had his first run which will be at the beginning of February in a hunter chase.
"He would have to run an outstanding race first time if he is going to go for the Gold Cup but obviously if he's not entered he can't go."
Castle Mane is currently quoted at 25-1 for the Gold Cup by Ladbrokes.
