Briareus In Champion Tilt

Trainer Andrew Balding has confirmed that he will pay £17,000 to supplement Briareus for next Tuesday's Champion Hurdle.

Last seen when scooting home 14 lengths clear in the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, Balding has decided to aim high in an open year.

Despite making all at Wincanton, the Kingsclere-based trainer says the six-year-old is just as happy taking a handy position.

'What he needs is a good gallop and you'd like to think that would happen in the Champion,' Balding told the Racing Post.

'As things stand the owners are going to pay to supplement him at Thursday's deadline, and part of the reason that we are having a go is that it is such an open year.

'I also believe that Cheltenham, even though it is different to Wincanton in every way, will suit our horse.

'Tom (Greenall) gets on with him particularly well and will take the ride unless, for some reason, Tony McCoy becomes available.'

(C) PA Sport