Malcolm Jefferson to delay Mount Mews Greatwood Hurdle call

Connections of Mount Mews are likely to make a late call regarding his participation in the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham next weekend

A smart novice last season for Malcolm Jefferson, he rounded off his campaign finishing second to Pingshou in Grade One company at Aintree.

Mount Mews reappeared last weekend in the Scottish Champion Hurdle Trial at Ayr under a big weight but the heavy ground caught him out and he could only finish third.

Jefferson's daughter and assistant, Ruth, said: "We were really pleased, he gave nearly 2st to the winner and over 2st to the second.

"There were a couple of not-so-good jumps that probably cost him more than the weight.

"It was heavy ground, too. I know he'd won in heavy at Kelso last season but that was a level-weights race, giving all that away in heavy ground is hard.

"It was a nice performance and it was his prep for other races. He was fit enough to do himself justice but he'll come on for the run.

"He'll get an entry for the Fighting Fifth and he might get confirmed for the Greatwood, we'll decide on Monday."

Mount Mews is 25-1 for the Greatwood Hurdle with bet365, Boylesports and Ladbrokes.