Zaynar on course for Champion

Zaynar is well on target for his Champion Hurdle prep at Kelso later this month.

Last season's unbeaten Triumph Hurdle winner, owned by the Men In Our Position syndicate headed by bookmaker Victor Chandler, is reported to be in fine shape ahead of the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso.

"He is fit and well and is going to go up for the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on February 18, a race we are now sponsoring," said Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins.

"That will be his objective and he won't have the cheekpieces back on until Cheltenham.

"He's just been ticking over. He's a good worker at home and they are pleased with his progress.

"Time wise the Kelso race is ideal and we decided to step in and sponsor it, so we thought he'd run in our race. Victor wants to try to win our own prize money."

Zaynar, who has won both his races so far this campaign, is second favourite at around 5-1 for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 16.