Tuesday 16 December 2014 15:11, UK
Dell' Arca could revert to hurdles and tackle the JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday according to David Pipe.
The five-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season over hurdles in Britain, winning the Greatwood from a mark of 128 and ending the season with a rating of 145 after finishing third in a Grade One at Aintree.
It hasn't been entirely plain sailing in two runs over the larger obstacles, however, with Dell' Arca only fourth of six on debut at Cheltenham before an improved second to Coneygree at Newbury.
The Pond House handler has revealed on his website that Dell' Arca could revert to timber for Saturday's Grade Two in which he is one of just five entries.
"We have Dell’ Arca in the race and while he has performed creditably over fences this term, a return to timber over this longer trip could be on the cards," he wrote.
"Despite winning the Greatwood Hurdle over the minimum trip he has always looked as worth trying over further and while he has it to do on official figures, this looks a decent opportunity to give him a go."
Sky Bet make him the 10/1 outsider of the field with Zarkandar their 5/4 favourite.
Pipe could also be doubly represented in The Ladbroke on the same card with Swing Bowler and Balgarry and he gave positive updates about both horses.
"Swing Bowler is a lovely, tough consistent mare who has run well in many of the top handicap hurdles and fully deserves to win one, while Balgarry looked like a high class recruit for the stable when last seen 2½ years ago.
"He has pleased us at home and while it is a big ask on his first start since March 2012, he is fully deserving of his place in the ultra-competitive line-up," he added.
Sky Bet make Balgarry the better fancied of the pair at 10/1 with Swing Bowler available at 25s.
