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Graeme McPherson keen to test Ami Desbois in loftier company
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Graeme McPherson is looking to step Ami Desbois up in grade after the promising young chaser made it two from two over fences at Wetherby on Saturday.
The Gloucestershire handler has the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in mind for his smart seven-year-old, if the ground is soft.
If conditions are not suitable, then the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day would be a tempting alternative.
McPherson said: "He's done nothing wrong in his two races and conditions in either race have not been ideal.
"He really wants three miles on soft ground. We deliberately started him off in low-key races so he could get his eye in over fences and used to jumping at speed.
"We stepped him up in trip on Saturday to see how he would cope under a penalty.
"He's not been extended yet and we've not seen the best of him over fences."
McPherson added: "He'll get an entry for Kempton on Boxing Day for the Kauto Star. We'll have a look at that. If the ground is soft he may well go there.
"If the ground is good, we might swerve it and have a look at the Dipper instead.
"I know Willoughby Court is going there (Dipper), but if it came up soft over two-mile-five at Cheltenham on soft ground, I'd fancy his chances down there.
"He's a tough, genuine horse and we've just got to do him justice and place him in the right conditions. He's a horse of a lifetime for the syndicate that owns him."
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