Scarpeta team eyeing Flat return following fruitful hurdles campaign High-class novice hurdler Scarpeta is likely to revert to the Flat later in the year following his third place at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday. Formerly trained on the level by Mark Johnston, the five-year-old was snapped up for 42,000 guineas by leading bloodstock agent Harold Kirk to pursue a jumping career with Willie Mullins. A first Irish-based runner for successful syndicate Thurloe Thoroughbreds, the son of Soldier Of Fortune has proved a fine purchase, opening his account over hurdles at the second attempt at Gowran Park before finishing fourth behind Samcro at Cheltenham and third behind Pallasator at Fairyhouse. James Stafford, racing manager for the owners, feels he was not at his best on his latest appearance, but believes there is plenty to look forward to for the rest of the year. Stafford said: " I don't think he ran up to his Cheltenham form (on Sunday). I think the horses that ran well at Cheltenham finished third, fourth (Blow By Blow) and fifth (Duc Des Genievres), so you can draw your own conclusions from that. "I don't think he was at his very best on the day, but Willie says he has come out of the race OK. "He ran well enough and was staying on at the end. He's a very honest horse and as game as they come." Asked about future plans, Stafford added: " There is a thought of going to Punchestown. Willie leaves everything to the last minute and leaves no stone unturned, so we'll see. "We also think he's well handicapped on the Flat and he will go down that route again at some stage. "We gave him a full year off after his previous Flat career and he's not had too hard a time. He's rated 75 and we'd like to think he can work his way up."
