RACING: King wary of Newbury start (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

RACING: King wary of Newbury start

12:40pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport

BARBURY Castle trainer Alan King admits next month's Betfair Hurdle at Newbury would not be an ideal starting point for Champion Hurdle contender Grumeti.

The five-year-old was among the top rank in the juvenile division last term, finishing third in the Triumph Hurdle before reversing form with Countrywide Flame when winning the Aintree equivalent.

He susquently ran twice on the level, winning at Ascot before being narrowly beaten at Goodwood in May.

However, Grumeti has been off the track since that outing and King has identified the Newbury feature on February 9 as a possible starting point if his hand is forced.

He told alankingracing.co.uk: "Grumeti has been off the track since he ran on the Flat at Goodwood last summer but, though we have had a few problems, we are getting there.

"However, it would not be ideal bringing him back for such a hugely competitive handicap as the Betfair, though at this time of the year you always have to keep your options open what with the weather, and if we are running out of time for a prep for Cheltenham we might well have to consider Newbury.

"It has been a difficult time with Grumeti, but he does seem in very good form.

"He improved last spring and then went up 10lb on the Flat for winning at Ascot and finishing second at Goodwood, so if he can progress the same amount over hurdles we might yet make the Champion."

Grumeti is a general 25-1 shot for the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 13, with entries due to be announced next week.

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