Alan King's Grumeti will be a little later than some of his stablemates to return to the racecourse this season.

After a promising career on the Flat, the Max McNeill-owned gelding became one of the very best juvenile hurdlers around, winning Grade Two races at Kempton and Cheltenham, finishing a close third to Countrywide Flame in the Triumph Hurdle and going on to reverse placings at Aintree.

Grumeti was last seen running well on the level again at the end of May.

McNeill said: "He ran on the Flat and then just had a bit of a niggle which put him behind. He's going to be back in the new year."

McNeill, who has bought a number of good juvenile hurdlers off the Flat including Mille Chief and Walkon, could have found his latest star in Handazan.

Rated in the 90s with John Oxx in Ireland, he was beaten by last weekend's impressive Cheltenham winner Far West at Chepstow but went on to score at Aintree.

"He's very exciting and our next big day with him is going to be in the Finale Hurdle back at Chepstow," McNeill said.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests