Winters on weather watch The current unsettled spell of weather could frustrate trainer Michael Winters as he plans a campaign for exciting novice hurdler Rebel Fitz. The French-bred gelding, a dual bumper winner last year, has taken well to hurdles this season scoring three times and was particularly impressive in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork earlier this month. On that occasion he made all under regular partner Davy Russell, and quickened clear from before the last to slam the previously unbeaten Absolutelyfantastic by an easy five and a half lengths. The six-year-old has a tendency to get a bit fizzed up at the track and often sweats up quite badly but Winters explained, “He's a very intelligent horse and doesn't take too much out of himself once a race starts.” Following that latest success, the Kanturk-based handler suggested the Paddy Power-sponsored three mile Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Cork on November 6 as a possible target but he's now having second thoughts. “If the ground stays heavy we might leave him off for a while. Cork may come a bit soon and, while there are other options at Navan, the ground there can often come up quite heavy.” Winters' star mare For Bill disappointed last time under top-weight in the Ladbrokes.com Munster National when seventh of the nine finishers behind Muirhead. However he's hopeful that she can put that poor Limerick effort behind her, and the Presenting eight-year-old is being aimed at the EBF T A Morris Memorial Mares Chase at Clonmel on November 10. “She was just not right on the day. There were a few little things that came to light, and she takes alot of minding. The night we brought her home from Limerick I thought she wasn't in great shape but she's picked up since. Hopefully we'll get to Clonmel,” said Winters. For Bill, winner of nine races under rules including Grade 3 events over hurdles and fences as well as two point-to-points, was third to Blazing Tempo in the Clonmel Grade 3 last year. Incidentally Winters appears to have another fine prospect on his hands in Missunited, who followed up a bumper win at the Listowel Festival with another impressive success in that sphere at Punchestown yesterday.
