Carlito for Musselburgh

Carlito Brigante bids to further enhance his claims for the JCB Triumph Hurdle when he lines-up at Musselburgh on Sunday.

Trainer Gordon Elliott opted to run him at the Scottish venue instead of on Irish soil in the Grade One Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in anticipation of suitable conditions.

Already a leading contender at a top-priced 12-1 for the juvenile championship at the Cheltenham Festival, Carlito Brigante will attempt to follow up a course and distance success in November in the John Smith's Scottish Triumph Hurdle, for which he was one of seven declared.

He has since shown his class with victory over the highly-rated Alaivan at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

"He travelled over on Friday and we're going over in search of better ground," said the County Meath-based handler.

"We had him in the Grade One at Leopardstown which he would have been favourite for, but the ground's gone heavy. They've had lots of rain.

"He's in good form, he's well, so we're hoping for a big run.

"He's won over the course and distance but he's improved an awful lot since then.

"This will race will have him more experience and help get him ready for Cheltenham."