Joe Tizzard is ready to throw the progressive Alexei into the Champion Hurdle after his Wincanton Triumph.
The son of Tai Chi travelled strongly through the contest and battled well late on to fend off Rubaud.
Second in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on seasonal debut, Alexei subsequently bolted up in the Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham, before a solid third off top-weight in a valuable Ascot Handicap.
Returning from a break, Tizzard told the Racing Post: “He got the job done at Wincanton and looked sharp enough.
“It was his first run in a while and up in that Grade for the first time. He stepped up to it nicely and came out of it lovely. We’re going to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle now.”
It wasn’t the most dominant performance, but he overcame what was a tactically tricky affair.
“I think a stronger run and slightly ground will play to his strengths. It was his first time in Grade 2 Company and he won cosily, which I thought was perfect.”
Alexei posted a 7lbs higher RPR than Golden Ace did when winning the Kingwell last season having scraped home to beat Burdett Road, with that pair subsequently providing the forecast in a dramatic Champion Hurdle.
Brocade treble bid backed up by Kripticjim & Sober Glory
Tizzard was keen to mention another Brocade Racing stablemate in Kripticjim, who landed the infamous ‘drain-gate’ contest on Trials day.
“We’ll make our minds up where we go with Kripticjim nearer the time and see what the grounds like. He’s done all of his winning over two and a half miles so far.”
Connections won that race with a similar type in Harry Senior, who later pulled up in the Albert Bartlett. Having grounded out the race dourly, the Albert Bartlett may well be on the agenda providing the ground isn’t testing.
Brocade Racing’s memorable chequered quarters are a prominent sighting at Cheltenham and Sober Glory goes with a live Supreme chance. Sober Glory’s form figures now read 11111411 after bolting at Newbury, with the sole blip coming when unsuitably held up.
Speaking to the Press Association via the Hereford Times, Johnson White said “the Supreme is very much the target at the moment.
“He couldn’t have done it anymore impressively.”
Looking to emulate the yards 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Menorah, White added “if we could win the Supreme it would be a nice start to the week.”
Brocade Racing had their greatest Cheltenham moment with Native River landing the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup for Colin Tizzard, and his son Joe will be hoping he can reward connections faith with another Champion success with Alexei.