Venetia Williams believes the ground conditions will be the crucial factor before deciding on stable star L'Homme Presse's target at the Cheltenham Festival later this month.
L'Homme Presse, who is unbeaten in four chasing starts, including wins in the Dipper at Cheltenham and a 21-length romp in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown, can be backed at 3/1 to win the Turners and 14/1 to triumph in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the festival.y
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Longer trip on the cards
Having powered through the line at trips ranging from 2m3f to 2m5f this season, L'Homme Presse has looked ready to step up in trip, but Williams has indicated that the going will make the decision for part-owner Andy Edwards.
Regardless of which route he goes, L'Homme Presse will bump into Ireland's formidable crop of novice chasers, with Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs entered in both races, while he could also face Bravemansgame and Ahoy Senor should he go down the Brown Advisory route.
Williams on top form
Williams currently sits on the 54-winner mark for the season, surpassing last season's tally with just under two months of the season left to go, with L'Homme Presse's regular partner Charlie Deutsch already six victories clear of his previous best in terms of winners.
Williams said: "It will be a decision based on the ground and you're going to have a look at the Irish horses, but there are strong Irish horses in all of the races.
She added: "L'Homme Presse does look like a three-miler and if he doesn't go up to three miles this month you can be sure he'll be hitting it next season."
