Alan King's big guns ready to start
Last Updated: 19/10/14 4:02pm
Alan King has nominated the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 4 or the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on November 16 as potential starting points for the exciting Balder Succes.
King's decision to skip the Arkle with the six-year-old was totally vindicated as he claimed Grade One honours in the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.
He went close to following up at the Punchestown Festival and looks a likely contender to handle the step out of novice company this season.
"I'm not sure where Balder Succes will start off yet," King told Racing UK.
"He could go for the Haldon at Exeter or for the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham or he could do both.
"I think he's at that level but I'm aware he needs to improve a bit to prove that he has that sort of class."
King decided to miss Cheltenham's opening meeting of the year with Uxizandre, a runner-up at the Festival in March but another Grade One winner at Aintree for the Barbury Castle handler, and that venue might be where he begins.
"We thought about running him but he had top weight so we'll just give him another week and go to Aintree for the Old Roan," said King.
"Midnight Prayer (winner of the four-miler at the Festival) will be aimed at the Welsh National with a run beforehand somewhere."