Thomas waits as Ruby targets Cheltenham return

Sam Thomas is set to play another waiting game this week following the headlines of the past seven days.

Thomas was forced to endure mounting speculation in the lead-up to Saturday's Tingle Creek Chase before connections of the impressive winner Master Minded decided to opt for the experience of 13-time champion jockey Tony McCoy rather than heap more pressure on the Welshman.

Thomas will be keeping his fingers crossed that a trip to Ireland to ride 9-4 favourite Noland in the rescheduled £86,000 Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown tomorrow is not in vain after the meeting was lost to frost yesterday.

Noland is due to face nine rivals including former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition, and a victory for Thomas in a top-class contest could pave the way for him to partner second-favourite Silverburn in Saturday's Boylesports Gold Cup at Cheltenham - if Ruby Walsh is unable to return to the saddle as he continues his recovery from injury.

Paul Nicholls, who trains both Noland and Silverburn, is keeping his options open. He said: "Ruby is hoping to be back. It's highly likely Sam will ride What A Friend at Lingfield in the big novice chase. If Ruby's back, Sam will probably head off there; if he's not, we'll have to start thinking.

"It would be nice if Ruby's back, but you can't make plans that far in advance."

Ironically, What A Friend is part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson who Nicholls asked for advice before booking McCoy for Master Minded ahead of Thomas.