Philip Hobbs is hoping that there are no more hiccups as he continues to prepare Captain Chris for a tilt at the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. (credit: Paolo Camera)
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Philip Hobbs is hoping that there are no more hiccups as he continues to prepare Captain Chris for a tilt at the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Last season's Arkle hero unseated his rider Richard Johnson when he returned to action in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November. However, he looked the most likely winner when he fell and Hobbs believes his stable star is roaring ahead of the King George.
Hobbs explained: "I know it will be massively hard, but there are no obvious alternatives.
"We've had a few worries with him but I feel we are back on track now.
"He worked like his old self, schooled well for Richard, and scoped clean - that's three big pluses.
"We have time to get him to the King George but everything would have to go right between now and then and I'd be very worried if the ground at Kempton got very soft."
Meanwhile, stablemates Wishfull Thinking and Menorah could both be in action at the King George meeting and Hobbs continued: "I hope this isn't the last chance for him (Wishfull Thinking) as he has so much ability.
"Menorah will either go to Kempton for the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase, in which he'd have to meet Nicky Henderson's smart horse (Sprinter Sacre), or wait for Newbury the following Saturday.
"We know he won't win a Champion Hurdle now and I'd always hoped he'd be better over fences."
