Mouse Morris is hoping First Lieutenant turns out to be the best of a strong Irish contingent in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham today.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old beat Zaidpour in a Leopardstown Grade One in December on his last appearance on a racecourse.
"He's travelled over great and we're looking forward to the race. He hasn't run since Christmas but that was always the plan and his form is good - he's a Grade One winner," said the trainer.
"The third horse (Hidden Cyclone) won again in Navan the other day and the better ground should suit our horse. We'll see how we get on, but I'd be hopeful he'll run a big race.
"Jessica Harrington's horse (Oscars Well) has won a couple of Grade Ones and there has been plenty of talk about So Young, but he doesn't have much experience.
"He beat a horse of mine the last day (Big Game Hunter) who's no great shakes, but we'll see."
Aikman booked his place with victory over Minella Class at Huntingdon last month and his trainer James Ewart, who also saddles Captain Americo in the four-mile National Hunt Chase, is delighted to be having his first Festival runners.
"He's in good form and he goes there as well as we could have him. He has to have an each-way chance after beating Minella Class last time," said the Langholm handler.
"The ground was too soft for him at Huntingdon last time really, so it was a bonus that he won. Admittedly our horse got a bit of a lead, but the important factor was when the other horses came to him, he went away from them again."
Alan King hopes Habbie Simpson has enough about him to get involved, although he is not expecting his charge to claim top honours. "I'd like to think he won't be far away at the finish," he told his website.
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