Big Day For . . . Wichita Lineman.

Byline: John Sexton 

AFTER a hurdling career that fell short of the expected heights, Wichita Lineman makes his eagerly awaited debut over fences at Southwell this afternoon in the 3m beginners' chase, writes John Sexton.

When he ran out a 12-length winner of the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2007, Wichita Lineman was hailed as one of the most exciting staying prospects in the game, but he did not win again in five races and ended the last campaign a well-beaten ninth in the World Hurdle.

"He was a bit disappointing over hurdles last season," says trainer Jonjo O'Neill, "but this is a new chapter. AP McCoy has schooled him and he has done very well over fences at home.

"We're all looking forward to seeing him run over fences. He was a very good novice as a hurdler and hopefully he will do every bit as well in novice chases, but only time will tell."

O'Neill has no major plans mapped out for Wichita Lineman, adding: "The only plan is to take it one step at a time. His next race will depend on how he runs at Southwell.

"Naturally, we're hoping he will do very well and end up as a Cheltenham horse again in March, but we shall have to wait and see what happens."