Confidence the key to Cappa plan

Thursday 3rd December 2009, 10:54AM GMT

Shropshire’s Cheltenham Festival winner Cappa Bleu could begin the process of rebuilding his reputation with a switch to hurdling.

Trainer Evan Williams blamed the seven-year-old’s lack of experience for his fall in last weekend’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Cappa Bleu burst to prominence while with Hadnall point-to-point trainer Sheila Crow, winning last year’s Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

But since his switch to Williams he has finished third of five in an Aintree novices’ chase before his premature departure when weakening at the 15th fence in the Hennessy.

Although he has entries for both the William Hill King George VI Chase and the Coral Welsh National, Williams believes he would benefit from a less demanding target.

“I think he fell at Newbury as a result of being too inexperienced for that sort of race,” said Williams from his Vale of Glamorgan base.

“He is fine, but he is highly unlikely to go to the Welsh National and I think we have to drop him in grade to start the process of getting his confidence back.

“He could be aimed at a graduation chase, but don’t be surprised if you see him next over hurdles.”