Dan Skelton is looking forward to seeing North Hill Harvey put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
A classy performer over hurdles, the six-year-old appears to have taken his game to another level since having his attentions turned the larger obstacles, most recently slamming two rivals in last month's Arkle Trial at Cheltenham.
North Hill Harvey is one of six contenders for this weekend's Grade One event after the race was reopened and Skelton feels he more than merits his place in the field.
Speaking on At The Races' On The Line programme on Monday evening, the trainer said: "He goes to Sandown for the Henry VIII and I think he'll be very effective round that track.
"I do think as a chaser he looks to have stepped it up. Whether he's stepped up enough, we'll have to see what turns up. I know Paul (Nicholls) is going to run Capitaine and that's a strong opponent.
"I wouldn't know what else will turn up, but I go there with plenty of confidence in him because he just loves it chasing."
He is 14/1 with Sky Bet for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham in March.
North Hill Harvey is one of four unbeaten chasers in contention along with the aforementioned Capitaine, Nicky Henderson's Brain Power and the Colin Tizzard-trained Finian's Oscar.
Jameson, representing Nigel Twiston-Davies, and Sceau Royal from Alan King's yard are the other hopefuls.
Related horse racing links
