Star hurdler Monsignor is on course to return to action in the Michael Page Technology Novices' Trial Hurdle at Warwick on Saturday.
Mark Pitman's six-year-old winner of two bumpers, including the Weatherbys Champion bumper at the Cheltenham Festival last season, is unbeaten in four starts since switching to the hurdling game.
Monsignor is hot favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and Pitman told the Racing Channel: "He is in great form and we just hope that this race will put the finishing touches to him for Cheltenham.
"I think he was very impressive at Uttoxeter (last time out) and the thing which has impressed me with him all season has been that when Norman (Williamson) has given him a kick in the belly when he wants to go he has put the race to bed very quickly."
He went on: "He has shown terrific toe and has just left everything in his wake. I just hope everything goes to plan (at Warwick), obviously it is getting close to Cheltenham and we want to have a nice clean run - but I am expecting him to put in a big performance."
