Tuesday 30 January 2018 11:14, UK
Joe Tizzard is hopeful a wind operation will help Finian's Oscar rediscover his best form on better ground this spring.
The dual Grade One-winning hurdler looked an exciting addition to the chasing ranks after winning on his first two starts over fences at Chepstow and Cheltenham, but was well-beaten in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown before being touched off by Benatar in a Grade Two at Ascot.
He was switched back to the smaller obstacles for last Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, but was pulled up, leaving future plans up in the air.
Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, said: "Finian's Oscar ran disappointingly on Saturday. He had the tongue-tie on for a reason and he is going to have his wind looked at this week. Which operation he needs will dictate the timescale afterwards.
"We had a look back at the hurdling route. I said before the race though that he had not lost a great deal in defeat over fences. He was impressive at Cheltenham and still ran well enough giving weight away at Ascot.
"If the wind op can help him, he has his best form on spring ground."
