Racing: David Johnson has not ruled out the possibility of running both Celestial Gold and Our Vic in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival on Friday week.
But the owner conceded it was a "dilemma" as to which race the enigmatic Our Vic will contest at the big meeting.
"If they both got there on the day I’d be loath to run the two against each other," he said.
"But there’s only one Gold Cup and this year a lot of good horses have had mishaps and of course Best Mate, sadly, is no longer with us.
"There is never an easy Gold Cup but the race is wide-open this year. If you look at those in the betting there are holes in every horse, including my own, so I do think it’s a race that’s there to be won."
Celestial Gold will be making his seasonal reappearance having not raced since finishing seventh in last year’s renewal of jumping’s blue riband.
"Celestial Gold will have to find a few pounds to be in with a real shout but he does act on the course, which is a big help," Johnson said.
"I'm sure he'll get the trip and if he gets there on the day I'd think he'll have a solid each-way shout.
"He goes there fresh and is extremely well."
Stamina is the main concern over Our Vic, who also has the option of the Ryanair Chase over two miles and five furlongs.
"If Martin thinks Our Vic will get the trip then you’ve got to listen to him," Johnson went on.
"It is a dilemma (which race Our Vic runs in) but our priority is to have a runner in the Gold Cup. If they both get there then we'll make our minds up closer to the day."
PA