Crystal clear for Classic crack

Alan King confirmed that stable star Crystal D’Ainay is likely to take his chance in the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

The seven-year-old finished fourth in the Welsh National at Chepstow on only his second try over the larger obstacles in Britain and King believes he has the potential to be as good over fences as is over hurdles.

“I wouldn’t rule him out of the World Hurdle at this stage but he is going to Warwick for the Classic on Saturday and we will see how he gets on there before making any firm plans,” King told At The Races.

The Barbury Castle handler also stated his intention to switch the French-bred gelding between hurdles and fences to keep the horse interested in racing.

“I think it just keeps his mind on the job a bit more and stops him becoming bored,” he added.

“He’s very well at the moment though and I schooled him in a visor this morning and it seemed to have the desired effect.

“I need to discuss it with the owners but I hope to try him in one (a visor) on Saturday.”

King’s impressive Long Walk Hurdle winner My Way De Solzen could also try his luck in the World Hurdle, ground permitting.

“He’s fine at the minute and he goes to Cheltenham on January 28 for the Cleeve Hurdle,” said King.

“His season isn’t really geared towards the World Hurdle though because his targets are dependent on the ground.

“We will just take it one race at a time with him.”