A Friday morning workout will decide whether
Ami Desbois will take up his engagement in the 32Red Kauto
Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The high-class hurdler has made a fine start to his career over fences this autumn, registering successive wins at Wetherby in November and earlier this month.
Trainer
Graeme McPherson feels the time has come to step his stable
star up in class and if he does not bid for Grade One glory on Boxing Day he is likely to head to Cheltenham for the Betbright Dipper Novices' Chase on New Year's Day.
McPherson said: "He only ran a couple of weeks ago and we're going to work him in the morning and make a decision then.
"He came out of his last run very well. We ran him on the Saturday and for the four following days we couldn't do much with any of the horses as we had a lot of snow.
"We couldn't turn him out in the paddock and he hasn't had much of a break, so we'll just have to see how he goes in the morning.
"If he really sparkles then we'll probably let him take his chance on Boxing Day and if we think he needs a bit more time we'll go for the Dipper on New Year's Day.
"He's in good order and three miles on soft ground (at Kempton) would be perfect for him.
"They're talking about a drop of rain at Kempton over the weekend. Whether it's enough to make it soft, we'll have to see."