3 minute read

John McConnell is pondering stepping up Fennor Cross in distance as he plans to head to Musselburgh's bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials meeting.

The five-year-old finished third on his hurdling debut at Galway in September behind Willie Mullins' 4/9 favourite Hubrisko.

Since then he has been to Cheltenham with more success, winning twice at the October and November meetings.

He won a maiden hurdle beating Deere Mark by six-and-a-half lengths before stepping up into Grade Two company and beating Ukantango by three-and-a-half lengths.

And not surprisingly John McConnell is planning a return to Prestbury Park in March at the Festival.

"He is probably going to go to Musselburgh on trials day (February 4) there for a Supreme Novice trial," said McConnell.

"He'll be in the Supreme, he'll be in the Martin Pipe and the Coral Cup.

"He looks slower now than what we thought he was, in terms of you wouldn't say he wouldn't stay two and a half (miles). The last day he was never on the bridle and then won well.

"I would be interested to up him in trip to see if that could bring out more improvement. I'll maybe look at the Martin Pipe or the Coral Cup, but we'll see. We'll go to Musselburgh (first)."