Racing: Two-way Street

THE prospects of Morley Street being aimed at the Champion Hurdle increased yesterday. The Toby Balding- trained gelding was originally earmarked for the Gold Cup this season, but owner Michael Jackson said: 'The trainer is bending my ear towards the Champion Hurdle. I'm thinking about it but no decision has been made yet.'

Jackson went on: 'Toby's views are based on the fact that there is a lot of a strength in the chasing division but it looks much more open among the hurdlers.'

Morley Street, winner of the 1991 Champion Hurdle, may return to action on Saturday - depending on the going. Connections can choose between the Timeform Hall of Fame Chase and the Wyko Power Transmission Hurdle, both at Cheltenham.

'The race we choose will give a good indication to his Festival target. If we go for the hurdle race then it means he will probably go for the Champion Hurdle,' Jackson said.

'I'd like to run him on Saturday but it will depend on the going. Good to soft ground would be all right and he would go through heavy. But if it was sticky that would be against him and we probably wouldn't run. We wouldn't be too disappointed if Morley Street wasn't able to run. He goes well fresh and it might be that he would go straight to the Festival.'