Detroit team monitors ground conditions

Owner Terry Warner has warned the ground will have to be suitable for Detroit City to have his Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle prep race at Sandown on Saturday week.

The Philip Hobbs-trained grey is an intended runner in the Agfa Hurdle unless underfoot conditions came up testing, in which case the 3-1 favourite for the blue riband would go to Cheltenham without another run.

“He wouldn’t run in the Agfa if it got very heavy. We see no point in bottoming him just before the Champion Hurdle, but it is our intention to run him. That’s the plan,” said Warner.

“There’s only the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton after that and I don’t think that’s suitable for him with the downhill finish.”

Warner reported that Detroit City, winner of last season’s Triumph Hurdle at the Festival, has had a break since he defeated the 2004 and 2005 champion Hardy Eustace in the boylesports.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 9.

“He’s had a month off since the boylesports. He’s been swimming and to the seaside. He goes to the seaside every other day at the moment near Philip’s place at Minehead.

“It’s good for him and for his back muscles. They want a bit more developing so a walk in the sea does him the world of good.

“He seems to enjoy it and it keeps him fit.

“He has obviously done a bit of galloping, but we did give him a break. We let him down a bit as we felt he needed it.

“They are horses, not machines, so sometimes you have to give them a break.

“He’s now back in full work and we are looking forward to Saturday week.”