If Caughty is off today and this isn't just a run around for the Kim Muir, there's a fair chance plenty of the field will have some nice views of his rear end for much of the race.
Kim Muir odds will likely tumble if there's a good run and that's the target. But it's only 12 days away (has an entry in the Challenge Cup, too, but that's worse - only 10 days, just can't see that).
Second-guessing NTD's intentions isn't easy here. But logically, unless it is a 'needed' soft run today, this has to be the target?, with Aintree to follow, and bigger races in the autumn/next year.
The problem? Connections will likely have been dreaming of a Cheltenham win for a good few years. At 8, they logically have this year and next. Unless they're still harbouring thoughts of a Gold Cup run (as a 9YO), then this year seems most likely. Perhaps he's robust enough to take two hard races 12 days apart? But that doesn't look anywhere near ideal.
It was odd (maybe) to see that switch to Christian Williams for a few races then back to NTD. But maybe there's some relationship there? Change of scenery ploy to get the horse back on track? Maybe to CW to see if he could find out what was wrong.
It would be great to see another chaser in the Imperial Commander mold running big races for NTD. Caught hasn't properly shown it yet, glimpses of maybe, maybe. There appears to still be just about enough time.
