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Cheltenham Festival hero Willoughby Court remains on course to return to Prestbury Park in the Betbright Dipper Novices' Chase on New Year's Day.

Last season's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle hero did not entirely convince with his jumping on his chasing debut at Huntingdon in November, but was far more sure-footed when claiming the scalp of Yanworth in a Grade Two at Newbury earlier this month.

Trainer Ben Pauling was thrilled with his six-year-old's latest blowout on the gallops and is excited to get him back into action at Cheltenham.

Pauling said: "I could not be happier with Willoughby Court.

"He had an easy time after Newbury - just ticking over - and did his first piece of work this morning.

"It was fabulous and it is all systems go for Cheltenham on New Year's Day."