Michael Winters hopes Rebel Fitz can flourish over fences

Updated: Saturday, 19 Apr 2014 10:49 | Comments Rebel Fitz

Michael Winters is hoping Rebel Fitz can blossom on the big stage over fences when he tackles the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Cork handler has always felt the nine-year-old would come into his own over the larger obstacles and he enjoyed a fine campaign last summer with five wins on the bounce.

The former Galway Hurdle hero disappointed on his final outing of last year at Cheltenham but bounced back to winning ways on his return to action in a hurdle at Cork last month.

Winters' yard had been under a bit of a cloud but he feels the horses are healthy again, and reports Rebel Fitz in fine fettle ahead of his biggest test to date.

"He's in great order. He had a grand introduction at Mallow and has had time to recover from that," said Winters.

"The horses weren't right for a long time and it just makes you look over you shoulder a bit, but he seems to be seriously well.

"We've had him away at Michael Hourigan's to jump. He was very enthusiastic, seemed happy in himself and came away from it good.

"He hasn't been pitted against the horses over fences that he should have been taking on. He won five last year without having to battle and this is the first time he's up against horses as good as him.

"If he turns up 100 per cent in himself I suppose he might be the best horse in the race. He had a bit of class over hurdles and hopefully that will stand to him.

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Michael Winters hopes Rebel Fitz can flourish over fences