Elgin on course for Dovecote date

Elgin is likely to step up in class on his next start for a shot at the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton in February.The Alan King-trained five-year-old has yet to taste defeat in two starts over hurdles, following up his debut win at Newcastle with a victory at Kempton on Boxing Day.Connections are now leaning towards making the Grade Two on February 25 his next target, before a potential outing in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, for which he is a general 20-1 chance.Dan Downie, racing manager to owners Elite Racing Club, said: "Elgin has always looked good. James Fanshawe had him on the Flat as a two-year-old. He didn't run as he was too big and weak, but he always liked him."Since Alan King has had him, he has done all the right things. He has schooled and worked well."I was at Newcastle when he won on his debut over hurdles. He travelled well but he was green and hanging. He stayed on well to win."He was a different proposition at Kempton as he was very professional. Obviously the Nicky Henderson horse (Jenkins) didn't run his race, but Elgin was still impressive."The plan now is to go back for the Dovecote. Regarding Cheltenham, I suppose we would make a decision after that race."He won't just run regardless at Cheltenham, we would only go there if we felt we had a chance."