Solzen Team Have Ground For Concern

Ground conditions are likely to determine whether My Way De Solzen makes his eagerly-awaited debut over fences at Aintree on Sunday.

Alan King's Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner holds an entry in the Amberleigh House Novices' Chase over two miles ? one of several races being considered for the six-year-old.

However, soft going is required for the Assessor gelding, who made his seasonal reappearance at Wetherby last month when runner-up to Redemption in the John Smith's Hurdle.

He has been schooled over fences since then and his chasing bow is imminent.

'We've not discussed it with Alan yet as to whether we do go this weekend or not. A lot depends on what happens with the going over the next 24 to 48 hours or so,' said joint-owner Jerry Wright.

'It's well documented that the horse has a strong preference for soft ground and we don't want to be restricted to just one option for him.

'There are a couple of other beginners' chases for him in the next week to 10 days.

'As Alan said earlier in the week, the horse will only just be ready for Sunday and we will leave the decision entirely to him.

'The plan is to get him out in the next 10 days, ground dependant.'

The going at Aintree is currently described as good but rain is forecast.

And although My Way De Solzen's World Hurdle success was over three miles, connections are not concerned about dropping him back in trip.

'He has plenty of natural speed and Alan wants to start his chase career over shorter trips as he doesn't want to blunt his speed,' Wright continued.

'Generally, he'll be running over two or two and a half miles. It's unlikely you'll see him over further this season.

'We bought him as a chaser and everything that has happened so far before has been a very large bonus.'

? PA Sport