Hughie Morrison's Third Wind is going for consecutive wins in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday before a Cheltenham Festival assignment.
Trainer Morrison is leaning towards the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle rather than the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Final for the eight-year-old, who has to lump a 6lb penalty on Merseyside for his victory in 2021.
"We should really be waiting for the Pertemps Final with him, but to be honest this race will be no more competitive than that," said the East Ilsley trainer
"The Final is just so competitive. When he was fourth in it two years ago, the first two ended up being Grade One horses!
"You have to take your chance when the races comes along. Most of the time trainers are trying to protect their handicap marks, waiting for the big handicap.
"The problem is the conditions races are worth so much less than the big handicaps, which is why there are more runners in the handicaps."
Third Wind is one of nine entries for the Grade 2 Rendelsham over an extended three miles, that includes the 2020 winner Emitom, trained by Warren Greatrex.
Nigel Twiston-Davies has given Bristol De Mai's connections the choice of this race and the William Hill Grand National Trial on the same card.
The Cotswolds handler has also entered Wholestone, who has not run since falling at this course in November 2020.
Completing the list are Anythingforlove, Molly Olly's Wishes, The Cob, Thomas Darby and Top Ville Ben.
