Lieutenant Neptune bound

Mouse Morris has confirmed Grade One winner First Lieutenant will run in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.

The six-year-old had too much pace for Zaidpour in the Future Champions Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, but has not run since.

He also holds entries in the Supreme over two miles and the Albert Bartlett over three, but Morris has plumped for the intermediate distance of two miles and five furlongs.

"He'll run in the Neptune," said the County Tipperary handler.

"The form looks stronger all the time, Hidden Cyclone (third at Leopardstown) has won two Grade Two since and Zaidpour ran well in another Grade One.

"I'm thinking the ground will be goodish and that should suit him being by Presenting.

"He's a horse I haven't had any major hiccups with, and that's a bonus."

First Lieutenant is a stand-out 14-1 with William Hill for the Neptune on the second day of the Festival.