Japhet faces Festival D-Day

Japhet must win Kempton`s Weekender Novices` Chase tomorrow if he is to go to Cheltenham according to trainer Guillaume Macaire.

The five-year-old was second on his first start in England in a three-mile novice event at Newbury earlier this month.

That was his first run since November and the Royal & SunAlliance Chase contender seemed to be in need of a run.

Macaire was not too disappointed with his debut over British fences but he says a win is essential tomorrow if he is to stay on the Festival trail.

The Frenchman said: 'He`s well but he absolutely needs to win tomorrow if he is to continue to the road to Cheltenham.

'He has not worked a lot since his last race, just to maintain his fitness. After that race he was blowing hard and he was not ready enough for this race.

'He was running over the long distance for the first time as they are not run very frequently in France. The three miles is only for the top class horses and the horse was not ready for that.'

Macaire also reports Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle hope Jair Du Cochet to be in good order after his surprise defeat at Fontwell on Monday.

The five-year-old finished third to the Josh Gifford-trained Rouble in a two mile, four furlong Listed contest at the track but Macaire says he is in good form ahead of his Cheltenham tilt.

He said: 'He`s OK. This course was not really for him and especially the sticky going.

'He was not very well in himself, he lost his action and kept changing legs all the time and it was very difficult for him.

'It`s a pity of course but the battle is Cheltenham. I keep my plans for him. It is still the only way for him.'