Tom Lacey will be watching the forecast closely as talented hurdler Sebastopol nears a return to action.
The trainer, who saw Kimberlite Candy cement his 2020 Grand National claims in Saturday’s Classic Chase, hopes he has another leading contender for spring honours.
Lightly-raced Sebastopol was one of the ante-post favourites for the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham’s November Meeting, but was sent to Huntingdon where he failed to enhance his reputation.
Lacey plans to send the six-year-old to Prestbury Park on January 25 if the ground is suitable.
“After he finished fourth at Huntington, Brian Hughes said he was going very well and then all of a sudden the horse made a noise,” said the Herefordshire trainer.
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“He’s been examined and will run in a tongue tie the next time.
“I’m thinking of Cheltenham on the 25th, although the ground would need to be better by then.
“There will be some nice races for him in the spring. He doesn’t take a lot of hard graft to get ready.
“It’s a case of drawing a line through his last run and being patient.”
Kimberlite Candy was cut to 25/1 for the Grand National on April 4 after winning Warwick’s feature race over the weekend.
(Image: Getty)
Prior to the impressive ten length victory, the JP McManus-owned stayer finished a gallant runner-up at Aintree under Richie McLernon, narrowly denied in the 2012 marathon on Sunnyhillboy.
Lacey previously had the race in mind for another of his horses, Thomas Patrick, after his rating soared in 2018.
The last 12 months have not been as good however and Liverpool ambitions are on hold.
“Unfortunately he has lost his way,” he added.
“At home he’s full himself, at the races he doesn’t want to know.
“He seems to have fallen out of love with it at the moment.
“He could do with going two gears slower in a lesser race and getting his head in front again.”
