Katchit Team Wary Of Lounaos

Alan King thinks Katchit may struggle to to give weight to Lounaos in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Katchit has been a revelation since turning his attentions to timber and has won five of his six starts, including two at Grade Two level.

However, King is fearful of Eoin Griffin's filly Lounaos, fourth behind Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca on her last start in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle.

'He has won three round Cheltenham already and we would not be bothered what the ground is. He is very well,' said King.

'But I think it will be a very tough ask trying to give the Irish filly (Lounaos) 7lb and I've also been very impressed with Punjabi.

'At least my fellow has been there though and he has got the experience round Cheltenham, which can count for a lot.

'We've had a great run with him and lets hope it continues for one more race at least,' he told At The Races.

Punjabi's handler Nicky Henderson has also been impressed with his charge this season and feels he has done enough to earn himself a crack at the two-mile juvenile championship.

He supplemented a smooth debut success by making all under an astute Mick Fitzgerald ride at Kempton last time.

'He proved with Mick's brave tactics on the day, which weren't the exact plan, that he stayed,' said the Seven Barrows handler.

'There were one or two doubts beforehand ? especially with the way he won at Ludlow ? that he might be a horse that is suited better to Aintree than to Cheltenham.

'But we have a month between the two and he is a very professional horse.'

(C) PA Sport