Hobbs happy with Menorah

Philip Hobbs is delighted with the current well-being of his big Stan James Champion Hurdle hope Menorah.

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner is second-favourite for the two-mile championship behind Binocular, and enjoyed a spin at Exeter earlier in the week.

He has not run in a race since seeing off Cue Card and Silviniaco Conti at Cheltenham in December.

Hobbs said: "Menorah is good, it's all going well. He'll get some very serious opposition as the form is working out well and all the major horses have come through their trials. But I'm very happy, and confident at the moment that he's at his best."

Looking at other members of his powerful Festival team, Hobbs said: "I will leave Captain Chris in the Arkle and the Jewson and I'll leave the decision as late as possible.

"Wishfull Thinking is in the Jewson and the RSA. I wouldn't have a problem with running them both in the same race as they have the same owners.

"Snap Tie might be my best chance in a handicap and he'll go for the County Hurdle. He had a suspensory problem but he's in very good form. He has a very good record fresh and I hope he has still got the same sort of ability."