Grade 1 winning hurdler Bitofapuzzle is set for a season of novice chasing, Harry Fry has told BeforeTheOff.com.
Fry looks set to have a strong novice chasing team at his disposal heading into the new National Hunt campaign.
Bitofapuzzle was one of Fry’s stand-out horses last season and was third in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before winning a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse a month later and will now tackle larger obstacles.
“Bitofapuzzle ran arguably a career best at Cheltenham,” Fry told Beforetheoff.com.
“She was running at a distance too short on ground she would have hated and finished just half-a-length behind the winner [Glens Melody] despite looking outpaced at one stage.
“She’ll now go novice chasing and hopefully she can mix it with the boys. We’ll start her off at two-and-a-half miles and then she’ll probably go up to three.”
Fry also has the JP McManus-owned Jollyallan in his yard and he is also going chasing.
“We’re hoping he can be an Arkle-type horse but he will have to prove himself first,” Fry added.
Another horse who looks an exciting type over fences is Fletchers Flyer.
The son of Winged Love has always been seen as a future chaser and was 23 lengths ahead of former Cheltenham Festival winner Hunt Ball in a novice hurdle at Ascot last season.
“We always planned to have just one season over hurdles with Fletchers Flyer,” Fry said.
“He’s a former Irish point-to-point winner and should be competitive this season.
“He jumps strongly and he’s a good staying chaser – hopefully he’ll be in top races this season.”