Josses out to kickstart chasing career
Connections are hoping he can give his career over fences a boost as he has failed to set the world alight over fences so far
JOSSES HILL will attempt to give his career over fences a major kick-start in the Betfred Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday week.
Since being switched to larger obstacles two seasons ago, the Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old, owned by Alan Spence, has so far failed to hit the quite same heights as he did over hurdles.
Limited to just three runs last term, the Grade Two-winning hurdler made the perfect return to action earlier this month when he claimed a second graduation chase at Kempton, with useful hurdler and chasing debutant Camping Ground eight lengths away.
Mike Spence, the owner's son, said: "Everything has been fine with Josses Hill. We've been happy with him and he is in great form.
"He will go for the Peterborough Chase now. It was between that and running him at Ascot in the 1965 Chase.
"It's a long season and he didn't have an easy race at Kempton.
"He probably needed it (the run) more than more than we thought he did.
"It would have been foolish to rush him out again, so he should be spot-on for the Peterborough Chase.
"He is not short of speed and the track should suit him, but he is quite versatile regarding tracks.
"It has taken him a while to put it together over fences, but we think he is getting there.
"Hopefully he will get the chance to show his best over fences."
Although a fourth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival remains a long way off, connections have an idea of where he is likely to end up should all go to plan.
Spence added: "We are going to take it step by step.
"I don't want to say we are definitely going for one race at Cheltenham, but if I was asked now which race from a personal point of view, the Ryanair would be the obvious one."
