Archie Watson is better known for his exploits on the Flat, but the Lambourn trainer has been enjoying success over obstacles this season with Stag Horn, a five-time winner over staying trips on the Flat.
The five-year-old is 2-2 over hurdles and is 14/1 for the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival, having scored in Grade 2 company in the Leamington Hurdle at Warwick last time out.
That form has been boosted since then, with Gentleman At Arms - who was two lengths behind Stag Horn in Warwickshire - running well in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.
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Watson is no stranger to pitching some of his younger horses in the jumps code in bumpers, but the sight of the Group 1-winning trainer saddling a runner at the Cheltenham Festival will be a rarity.
Stag Horn a relaistic hope
However, Stag Horn won't just be going for a day out as the shortest priced British-trained representative in the market after Henry Daly's exciting Hillcrest.
Watson said: "It's very exciting for the owners and everyone in the yard to have a horse who is hopefully going to Cheltenham with a viable chance.
"He did everything we asked of him at Warwick and Nick, who will ride him next month, was amazed at how well he jumped that day.
"I've always felt he wants three miles, so hopefully he'll take another step forward again in the Albert Bartlett. If he jumps as well as we know he can, I hope he can put a bit of pressure on the others."
