Donald McCain's superbly consistent performer Overturn is likely to be in action over the festive period after the trainer gave him an entry in the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The seven-year-old has had a busy few months, winning at Perth in August as well as in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot and the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November.
He was last seen finishing a fine second to Grandouet in the International at Cheltenham and while McCain had initially suggested his charge would now have a winter break, he has had a change of heart.
"I've already said twice this season I was going to put him away until Cheltenham in March - and twice now I'm back-tracking," the trainer said in his Betfair column.
"After all, he hasn't done too badly in beating Binocular by four and a half lengths in the Fighting Fifth and he was giving Grandouet 4lb when beaten four lengths in the International last time.
"He will be entered for the Christmas Hurdle for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he has come out of Cheltenham extremely well, and after seeing him on the gallops on Tuesday morning, he is again sending me all the right signals.
"Secondly, I don't think the ground will be as bad as I initially feared. But a word of warning - if it is soft or worse at Kempton, he will not be taking part."
Also Arkle favourite Peddlers Cross is set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the williamhill.com Novices' Chase at Kempton on December 27.
Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up has made a brilliant start to his career over the larger obstacles, putting in two excellent rounds of jumping at Bangor and winning without being troubled.
Donald McCain's pride and joy missed an intended engagement at Haydock on Saturday due to the testing conditions and he will now head to Kempton for a Grade Two prize better known as the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase.
McCain said in his Betfair column: "He worked well this morning, and his intended target is the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton, all being well.
"He is likely to take on Sprinter Sacre, among others, so it could be an exciting race."
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