Fitz Sweet On Kim

Mick Fitzgerald feels Khyber Kim is a 'leading contender' for Cheltenham Festival honours after his accomplished victory at Newbury on Saturday.

The five-year-old rocketed into contention for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with a convincing success in the Thurloe Geos Introductory Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson's Flat recruit had been off the track since September 2006 having split a pastern a day before his proposed novice hurdling debut at Kempton last St Stephen's Day.

Khyber Kim's problems appear behind him now, however, as Fitzgerald enjoyed a dream ride to defeat some decent yardsticks by three lengths and more.

'He looked very, very good (on Saturday) and he was very professional,' the rider told At The Races.

'I think Nicky said after he won that the next few weeks would be crucial.

'He's a horse who needs to remain injury-free and if he does, he's going to go there (to Cheltenham) as a leading contender.'

Khyber Kim is a general 12-1 shot for the Supreme Novices' at Prestbury Park in March.

(C) PA Sport