Neil King has cited his concerns over Lil Rockerfeller’s jumping for the reason to switching back to hurdles with Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle the target.
Lil Rockerfeller has been switched back to hurdles for the rest of the season and trainer Neil King now has his sights set on a third crack at the Stayers’ Hurdle.
The eight-year-old has finished second and 13th in his previous outings in one of the Cheltenham Festival’s showpiece races and is a 25/1 chance with Betfred for this year’s renewal.
It had looked unlikely the USA-import would have a third run in the Stayers’ after being switched to bigger obstacles at the start of this season.
Rockerfeller’s chasing career initially got off to a good start, winning his first three races, including the Matchbook Time To Move Over’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in October.
However, a return to Prestbury Park in December saw him unseat rider Wayne Hutchinson before he disappointed with a third-place finish at Ascot.
Having decided he’s better suited to hurdles, King says the plan is to run Lil Rockerfeller in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 26 before he heads to the Festival.
“He didn’t disgrace himself over fences, but if he was to stay chasing he’s got to keep going up in grade and the competition will get better and his jumping might not stand up,” he told the Racing Post.
“If you could imagine him in the RSA in a big field going hell for leather, he might be in trouble.
“He’s in great form. He went hunting on Tuesday and jumped this, that and everything else, while Wayne [Hutchinson] is coming in tomorrow to school him back over hurdles,” King added.
“He’ll be entered in the Cleeve and we hope to run there and then the Stayers’. We’ll look at the Cleeve and then think about the National Spirit but can we do everything?”
Apple’s Jade is the current 3/1 favourite with Betfred for the Stayers’, with last year’s winner Penhill a 5/1 chance.
Odds subject to change.
