De Soto Handed Aintree Mission De Soto, a fast-finishing fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, is likely to stay at two miles and contest the John Smith's Imagine Appeal Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Friday.Paul Webber's charge, previously a top-class bumper performer, ran a remarkable race at Cheltenham.Having completely missed the break after a messy start, he was flat out for much of the contest before staying on to great effect.Webber believes if he had jumped off with the majority of the runners, De Soto would have just about come home in front.'I think we will stick to two miles,' said Webber.'There were only 20 entries at the five-day stage whereas there were 34 in the two-mile-four race so on paper it does look slightly easier.'He seems in very good form and he worked in pleasing fashion on Tuesday morning so we are looking forward to it.'(C) PA Sport
