Neil King has elected to pull up stumps with Lil Rockerfeller's chasing career and revert back to the hurdling sphere with his stable star, who could be one of the most intriguing horse racing naps at the Cheltenham Festival, should he take his chance in the Stayers' Hurdle on March 14.
Lil Rockerfeller has blossomed over the smaller obstacles during his career and put up a career best when second in the Stayers' Hurdle at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, but having failed to land a blow in the race last year King elected to send the eight-year-old over fences.
However, after winning on his chase debut and showing promise, the gelding has struggled to recapture his best form over the bigger fences in recent outings and King has admitted that Lil Rockerfeller's career over hurdles will resume, with the chasing game being put on the back burner.
It's expected that Lil Rockerfeller will look to retain his National Spirit Hurdle crown at Fontwell in February and if he can come through that race with flying colours then he could be seen taking his chance in the Stayers' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March.
In such a wide open division, Lil Rockerfeller is trading around the 33/1 mark with some firms to claim the coveted Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdle, but King will cement his place in the field if he can strut his stuff at Fontwell like he did last year when winning the National Spirit.
Penhill is current the ante-post favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle, while Supasundae and Paisley Park are another brace of leading contenders at the head of the market, but if Lil Rockerfeller can relish a return to hurdles then he could play a major role in the staying hurdle showpiece.
Check out Lil Rockerfeller winning the 2018 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell Park here:
