Cheltenham's Unibet Greatwood the aim for Alexei

Joe Tizzard’s progressive prospect Alexei will take aim at the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

A German-bred gelding with some decent Flat form in his home nation, the five-year-old joined Tizzard last season for a novice hurdling career that included two wins from four starts.

He chased home Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow on his return in October, after which he won a competitive class two handicap at Ascot by three lengths to earn a 7lb rise.

The Greatwood now beckons, with Alexei vying for favouritism in the ante-post market alongside the horse that defeated him at Chepstow.

“I was thrilled with that, he’d really come on for his Chepstow run,” Tizzard said of Alexei’s Ascot victory.

“He’s gone up 7lb for the win, he’ll go to the Greatwood next weekend now and we’re really looking forward to it.

“He loves a bit of decent ground so we’ve got to make hay while the sun shines with him at the minute before it gets too soft.

“He’s an improving, young horse and one we’re excited about.”