High Hopes For Giant Bid

Mick Fitzgerald believes both the return to fences and step up in trip will suit Jack The Giant at Leicester on Tuesday.

Nicky Henderson's six-year-old followed up a reappearance success over timber at Cheltenham with a high-profile win in The Ladbroke at Ascot.

Jack The Giant will be having his first start over fences since April in the Jelson Homes Quality House Builders Since 1889 Chase, but has been schooling well at home.

Fitzgerald said: 'He's done us proud so far this season. I schooled him myself last week over fences and for a horse that's had two runs over hurdles this season, you'd think they had been over fences.

'He jumped like an old hand and was very slick and very good. He is a very good jumper and the number one thing we always want to know is if he's in good form.

'I sat on him on Saturday and he felt fantastic so it's away we go with him.

'Everything about him this term on both times he's won, he hasn't looked like he is stopping, so the step up in trip shouldn't be too much of a problem.'

Jack The Giant will face only four rivals after a number of smart horses sidestepped the race, with the chief opposition headed by Fundamentalist and Iron Man.

The 106-rated Bronson F'Sure also runs, along with Cheltenham Festival and Irish National winner Butler's Cabin, who makes his seasonal reappearance after a 274-day absence.

(C) PA Sport