Wednesday 3 August 2016 10:36, UK
Grade One-winning hurdler Lac Fontana is set to have his attentions switched to novice chasing this season on his return from injury.
Having missed all of the last campaign after meeting with a setback in October, the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old is expected to be back in action before Christmas.
The winner of both the 2014 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree will be sporting new silks on his return, having been acquired by syndicate group Axom from Potensis Bloodstock Limited.
Dan Downie, racing manager for Axom, said: "We bought Lac Fontana last summer. He was doing well, then he picked up an injury last October.
"He has had a year out this autumn, but he'll be on track before Christmas. He is a Grade One-winning hurdler, but the plan is to go novice chasing with him."
Hurdling is on the cards for former useful Flat stayer High Secret as he nears a return from an enforced spell on the sidelines.
The former Sir Mark Prescott-trained gelding was picked up by Axom for 65,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Horses In Training sale last October.
Downie added: "High Secret will go hurdling with Paul Nicholls. He was purchased at the Horses In Training Sales last October then in December he got kicked by another horse at the yard, so we decided to turn him out for the season.
"He has not been ready to run for us until now and he will make his debut over hurdles this season."
