Hold On Julio is set to remain over hurdles for the immediate future following an encouraging run at Kempton on Saturday.
The smart chaser was a promising third on his first start of the season at Cheltenham and a creditable fifth in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, but then failed to complete in a Listed event at Ascot last month.
Switched back to the smaller obstacles, the 10-year-old beat all bar the exciting Cloudy Copper at Kempton and trainer Alan King is hoping a stint over hurdles will build up his gelding's confidence.
"That was much better, and we will keep him over hurdles for the time being, though we could have a look at either the Scottish National at Ayr or the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in the spring," the trainer told www.alankingracing.co.uk.
