Hobbs Has Fingers Crossed For City Return

Philip Hobbs is hoping a second breathing operation will work the oracle for disappointing Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City.

The five-year-old, who went on an eight-race winning streak that included the Triumph Hurdle and the Cesarewitch over a 13-month period, failed to fire at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals last season.

And Hobbs, who does not believe his breathing problem was the sole reason for his failures, is still undecided as to the grey's best trip.

'We aimed him at the Greatwood Hurdle after he won the Cesarewitch and then went back to Cheltenham for the Boylesports,' said Hobbs.

'We went back there as favourite for the Champion Hurdle, but then we had the disappointments of the end of the season.

'He's had another breathing operation. He had a cauterized palette first time, but this time he has has a full wind operation which has helped at home so far, but I wouldn't be convinced that that was the reason for his disappointing runs.

'He is very lazy. We all like horses who are laid-back, it is the best thing really as long as they eat well as it helps them keep their form better, but he is rather over the top.

'We just hope he is going to keep fresh and well and start again,' he told At The Races.

'He doesn't give us any signs at home to be honest, he is just so laid-back he doesn't do anything.

'His first target is the third week of November at Ascot, a two-mile-three-furlong conditions hurdle (Coral Ascot Hurdle) and then we will decide whether we go back to two-mile-one for the Boylesports or whether we step him up to a longer trip.'

(C) PA Sport