Morris hoping China can rock rivals in Hennessy
The talented chestnut won his first two starts of the campaign before placing third behind Kauto Star in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal in November.
He has not been seen in racecourse action since but Morris believes he is ready to do himself justice on ground that should be in his favour.
“He’ll take his chance all being well. The ground is yielding to soft at the moment and as long as it stays like that, he’ll definitely run,” said Morris.
“He likes better ground and even though he hasn’t run since November, he’s in great nick and he’s probably a better horse when he’s fresh.”
All going well this weekend, Morris is keen on a crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup with his charge.
The Fethard handler saddled War Of Attrition to win National Hunt racing’s blue riband in 2006 and while he admits China Rock is not up to that level, he believes he warrants a place in the Cheltenham field.
“I’m hoping he’ll be bang there on Sunday and then he’ll go to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup,” Morris added.
“He’s not War Of Attrition but it looks an open race this year and a few of the better ones are getting on a bit now, so our lad is entitled to take his chance.”
Morris, meanwhile, will let Punchestown winner Tillahow test the water at Grade One level in Sunday’s Tote Pick Six Rollover Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.
After running well in defeat on his first couple of starts over timber, the four-year-old opened his account with a determined effort in Grade Three company.
He faces a stiffer test this weekend on ground that will be much livelier, but Morris believes his youngster will be able to cope.
“He’ll definitely run and he was good and tough in Punchestown the last day,” said Morris. “It was heavy ground that day, but he’s an improving sort and I’d say he’s the kind of horse that will go on any ground.
“He ran well in Dundalk twice and also won on the Flat in Leopardstown on yielding, so you’d think he’ll handle better ground over hurdles all right.”
