Jamie Snowden will scour the programme book for a suitable prep race for Wendigo ahead of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The six-year-old, who won a point-to-point and two bumpers before switching to hurdles this season, put in a clear career-best last time out in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury.
While no match for The New Lion, who undoubtedly sets the standard in the novice hurdling division this season, he had the likes of Grade Two winner Bill Joyce and Paul Nicholls’ highly-regarded Regent’s Stroll behind him.
Outpaced for much of the contest, he stayed on strongly and looks sure to be suited by stepping up in trip.
“Wendigo will have an entry in the Albert Bartlett and I would have thought we’ll give him a run somewhere small first as a prep run,” said Snowden.
“Ideally we’ll look for somewhere where he can run with just one penalty and that will serve its purpose as a prep run before Cheltenham.
“He’s next season’s chaser, really, that’s what he is.”
He added: “We’ve enjoyed a good spell and to be fair in October, November, December and January we’ve been operating at a really good strike-rate, it’s been a good winter for us.”