The Barry Connell trained King Alex is one of fourteen declared the BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Tara Handicap Hurdle at Navan this afternoon, the most valuable contest on the eight race card.

A winner at Ballinrobe in October, the son of Born King followed-up at Navan before completing the hat-trick at Fairyhouse last month.

From an initial mark of 102, the six-year-old gelding is now rated 122 and faces his toughest task to date in this Grade B contest.

"It's a nice prize and two and a half miles around Navan will suit him down to the ground,” said Connell.

"He’s come out of his last couple of races in great nick and I’m expecting a big run from him again.

"I think he'll handle the track and the ground, and hopefully he's the one to beat in the race. He has a nice racing weight of 11 stone, so we'll hope for the best."

Connell has enjoyed a good run (nine winners) since taking over the licence this season and he added: "We'll have a few for Leopardstown at Christmas. Big King will go for a handicap hurdle on St Stephen’s Day and Snake Oil will go for a maiden hurdle on the same day.

"I'm delighted with the way things are going and training winners is up there with riding them. It's very satisfying when you are involved with every aspect of it."