Lil Rockerfeller takes first step down the road back to the Stayers' Hurdle

Wetherby on Saturday is the starting point for Lil Rockerfeller on a journey trainer Neil King hopes can climax with victory in the Stayers' Hurdle, in which he finished second last season.

The six-year-old nearly pulled off a 33-1 shock at Cheltenham in March when runner-up to Nichols Canyon and his campaign kicks off in the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle, for which he is quoted as evens favourite with the sponsors.

“He definitely goes to Wetherby,” King said. “It's been the plan all along to start there. He did a fast bit of work on Tuesday morning and I’m thrilled with him.

“He looks terrific after enjoying a good summer. He’ll follow a similar path to the Stayers’ Hurdle as last year, with the Long Walk a big target.”

King added: “It was wonderful to see Lil Rockerfeller progress again last season. I always felt he was a very decent horse, and he looks a rock-solid favourite on Saturday.”

Wholestone: 'His Chepstow run will have sharpened him up,' says Nigel Twiston-DaviesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Aux Ptits Soins, now in the care of Dan Skelton after leaving Paul Nicholls, has been confirmed a definite runner, while Nigel Twiston-Davies is likely to be represented by Wholestone.

“As long as the ground doesn’t firm up too much the idea is to go to Wetherby,” Twiston-Davies said. “His Chepstow run will have sharpened him up, and he didn’t run too badly there.”

Ptit Zig, 9-4 second-favourite with bet365, could bid to give Nicholls a fourth success in the race in six years. The trainer also has Silsol engaged.

The ground at Wetherby is officially described as soft, good to soft in places, with a mainly settled, dry outlook until Saturday morning, when there could be some rain.

Thirteen runners have been entered for next Tuesday’s 188Bet Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, including Sire De Grugy, Ar Mad and Politologue.

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