Tuesday 21 October 2014 13:56, UK
Monksland is ready to return to action for Noel Meade, with a tentative decision having been made to keep him over hurdles.
The seven-year-old has not been seen since December 2012, when he won the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
And while novice chasing had been discussed, Monksland's owner, Patricia Hunt, also has Apace Stronghold for that division and Meade would rather keep them apart.
Speaking in a stable tour for www.attheraces.com jumps microsite, the County Meath handler said: "We struggled with him last season, but it was all small issues, nothing serious.
"We've more or less decided to stay over hurdles with him.
"The main reason is that his owners also have Apache Stronghold, who is going over fences, and we didn't want to be in a situation where we had the two of them going for the same races.
"There is a very good programme for him (Monksland) in staying hurdles and we are hoping he'll do well, as his form reads very well.''
Apache Stronghold had his own problems last season but chased home Vautour at the Punchestown Festival and appears to have a bright future.
Meade said: "We could have run him by now, but we just want some rain for him as, while good ground isn't a problem for him, it's just a bit too quick at the moment.
"We just wouldn't want to take a chance with him on his first start back as he's a big horse.
"Hopefully we'll get some rain soon as we are thinking about the Drinmore Novice Chase (Fairyhouse) and would like to get him out before that.''
Cheltenham Festival winner Very Wood will also be going over larger obstacles, with the RSA Chase as his long-term aim, while the trainer has high hopes for Wounded Warrior, who may make his debut over fences this week.
"I really love this horse (Wounded Warrior) and I think he's very good,'' said Meade.
"He has been a bit unfortunate as he got very sick around February time just as he was getting going and that put the brakes on his season.
"He has fantastic scope and he's going to make a hell of a chaser.
"I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't turn out to be a very good horse.''
