Bailey happy to take his time with The Kemble Brewery

The Kemble Brewery could be set for a step into deeper waters after striking over hurdles for the second time this season at Ffos Las.

Trained by Kim Bailey, the five-year-old scored readily in both of his bumpers earlier in his career and suffered his sole defeat when sent off favourite for a Cheltenham maiden hurdle on his timber bow last November.

Returning from over 300 days off at Worcester last month he wasted little time serving a reminder of his potential when downing David Pipe’s Jurancon, form given a boost by the runner-up when he won cosily himself at Chepstow.

He doubled his tally over obstacles by making all in Carmarthenshire recently, a performance that points brightly to the future.

Bailey admits he could now be ready for a sterner test, but is in no rush to select a next port of call at this stage – suggesting there could be even better to come once The Kemble Brewery gains further hurdling experience.

“We haven’t sat down and worked it out yet, but he will obviously be stepping up in grade now,” said Bailey.

“It will be three weeks before he is due to run again and I’m not sure, I need to have good look at the programme book. He’s gone up 2lb in the handicap and is now 125, so we have a few options really, but I’m in no rush to make a decision just yet.

“His main problem is he’s very lackadaisical with his idea about racing. He’s very talented but if I put a pole in front of him he’d jump it by and inch, no less or no more – that’s just him.

“Once he gets himself organised it will be in his favour, but if he was a human being, he would be one of those who drives you round the bend as he always gives the impression he is not doing anything but is always actually achieving it.”