News Harry Fry outlines Towton option at Wetherby for Bitofapuzzle

Harry Fry outlines Towton option at Wetherby for Bitofapuzzle

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Grade One-winning hurdler Bitofapuzzle could make amends for her late departure in Ireland in next month's totepool Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby.

Trainer Harry Fry has hinted the Grade Two contest on February 6 is his preferred option for the eight-year-old after being denied an outing at Ludlow last week with the card falling victim to the weather.

After making the perfect start to her career over fences with a facile victory at Exeter, the seven-times race winner looked set to collect in a Grade Two event at Thurles earlier this month before unseating Noel Fehily at the third last.

Fry said: "Bitofapuzzle is in at Doncaster on Friday and could go there, but she will have entries the following Saturday at Sandown for the Scilly Isles and the Towton over three miles at Wetherby, which is the preferred option at this stage.

"We were hoping to make amends at Ludlow last week and being as it was a mares' race, it looked the ideal opportunity.

"She didn't take too much out of herself in the process of going over to Ireland and falling. Hopefully we can get her back on track on her next start."

The Seaborough handler is weighing up several engagements for Activial ahead of a potential appearance at the Cheltenham Festival.

Although meeting with defeat on his first start over fences at Newbury, the six-year-old hit the target next time out with a ready success at Exeter on New Year's Day.

He said: "There are several options coming up for Activial. There is a novice chase at Doncaster on February 11, another race at Kempton on the 12th and at Exeter on the 14th over the course and distance he won his last novice chase.

"He would have been out again after New Year's Day but he just tweaked a muscle, so he was forced to miss the Altcar at Haydock on Saturday which he was going for as it took a bit longer for him to get back.

"He is back cantering now and we are happy with him. I'd love to go to Cheltenham with him, but obviously his jumping has got to be a lot better.

"It improved on his last start at Exeter from his run at Newbury, but it needs to improve again. He has all the ability, it is just confidence with him."