Barters Hill seen here winning at Aintree© Photo Healy Racing
Ben Pauling admits the looming presence of Yanworth in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle is "pushing" him towards the Albert Bartlett with Barters Hill
While nothing is yet set in stone, Pauling was very impressed with Alan King's youngster at Cheltenham on the same day Barters Hill extended his winning streak in the River Don.
Given that win at Doncaster was over three miles, stamina is no issue, and the bookmakers make Barters Hill a clear favourite for the longer race at the Cheltenham Festival.
"All is spot-on. We took him to Henrietta Knight's to school under the watchful eye of Yogi Breisner the other day and he was very happy with him," said Pauling.
"It was at this time last year he really seemed to turn a corner and he's doing it again, he's really coming to life. He seems to have bloomed.
"I'm thinking more the Albert Bartlett and looking at the betting, given he's drifting for the Neptune, I don't think that will shock anyone.
"The competition doesn't look as strong in that. In the Neptune we'd come up against Yanworth and, to me, he looks the type who next year could be back for the Champion Hurdle.
"If it wasn't for him then we could be in the Neptune, but he was most impressive at Cheltenham - to quicken up in that ground marks him out as very good indeed.
"At this stage I'd say Yanworth is pushing me towards the Albert Bartlett."
