Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle contender Lil Rockerfeller to tackle the National Spirit on Sunday
The popular hurdler is a 33-1 chance for the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham next month
NEIL KING is in good Spirits ahead of a trip to Fontwell with stable star Lil Rockerfeller.
The popular eight-year-old returns to his favourite hunting ground on Sunday looking for a second win in the National Spirit Hurdle.
It’s been a busy and varied campaign for the son of Hard Spun.
On the go since a sensational win on the Flat at Glorious Goodwood in August, he’s since won three times over fences.
However, his limitations were exposed when upped in class at Ascot, finishing a well-beaten third to the classy Vinndication.
With his jumping leaving much to be desired that day, King opted to send him back over hurdles last month for the Cleeve where he ran an encouraging fifth to top stayer Paisley Park.
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A trip to the National Spirit on Sunday is now on the agenda - before a possible crack at the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle.
King told Sun Racing: “Lil Rockerfeller is in good order and Bryony Frost will ride him in the National Spirit on Sunday.
“He ran very well for a long way in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last time and was bang there two out before just getting tired in the closing stages.
“He’s won the National Spirit before and was a good second to Old Guard in the race last year, so we know he likes the track.
“Provided all goes well, he’ll run there before another crack at the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.”
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King also had news on hot prospect Brandon Castle.
The Flat recruit made a name for himself on the level by nabbing big, unassailable leads - and he’s done the same in a couple of starts over hurdles.
Winning twice at Plumpton in impressive fashion, he’ll head back to the track on Monday in search of a hat-trick.
The trainer said: “Brandon Castle has taken to hurdling really well and we like him a lot.
“He’s won twice at Plumpton so we’re hoping he can do it there again.
“He was entered in the Dovecote on Saturday but that’s likely to be more competitive, whereas he’ll be an odds-on shot on Monday.
“He has some smart entries at the Cheltenham Festival - the Supreme and Ballymore - but he’ll need to produce something good to warrant going there.”