Fergal O'Brien earmarks Cheltenham return for Colin's sister

Thursday 4 January at 5:11pm

Fergal O'Brien is leaning towards stepping Colin's Sister back up to three miles for the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 27.

The Naunton handler has earmarked the Grade Two contest as the next stopping point for the seven-year-old after she finished third in the Relkeel Hurdle over half a mile shorter at the track on New Year's Day.

O'Brien said: "I don't see any reason why we won't go back to Cheltenham at the end of the month for the Cleeve. It is back up in trip and that will suit her.

"I was disappointed with her last time but Paddy (Brennan) was happy enough. He said coming down the hill he thought she would pick up a bit more than she did.

"We can't find anything wrong with her at home and she was just beaten by the better horse on the day.

"There will be another day for her and I think stepping her back up to three miles will be key to her."