Juveigneur - on course for Cheltenham.

juveigneur books festival berth

Juveigneur is ready to better his runner-up spot in last year's William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase after readily making the most of an opportunity in the Carlsberg Novices' Hurdle at Plumpton.

Nicky Henderson's chestnut was also a Cheltenham Festival winner in 2005 and only found Dun Doire too good 12 months ago.

This season, Juveigneur has managed to be placed in both the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and the Welsh National, form which entitled him to be sent off the 1-20 favourite against a couple of vastly inferior rivals.

It was grossly one-sided contest as he made nearly every yard of the running and did not need to move out of second gear to beat Victree by 14 lengths.

Rider Mick Fitzgerald said: "It was pretty straightforward really and I was happy to get a lead, but he was so headstrong I went in front as I wanted him to get a proper workout.

"I'm pleased he's actually won a race as he's been second and third in some big races, but it's nice to get his head in front again.

"The horse felt really well and it was great Plumpton got the racing on today otherwise Nicky would have had to send him straight to Cheltenham."