3 minute read

Cheltenham Festival winner Hawk High could return to Prestbury Park for a tilt at next month's StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle.

Tim Easterby's four-year-old claimed the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and though he was unable to make an impact at Grade One level at Aintree in April, he made a winning return at the Merseyside track at the weekend.

Easterby said: "I have entered Hawk High in the Greatwood Hurdle and it is something we will consider. There is also an intermediate hurdle that he could go for.

"He has come out of the weekend in great form. It was a good performance and he was a big enough price, but I thought he would run well.

"The handicapper has put him up 8lb for winning a length and three-quarters, which I thought was a bit harsh.

"He is a lovely horse though and one to look forward to."

Hawk High is one of 57 entries for the £100,000 Grade Three, with Supreme Novices' Hurdle third Vaniteux one of six potential runners for Nicky Henderson.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has eight possibles, headed by Irving.

Other contenders include David Pipe's pair of Baltimore Rock and Swing Bowler, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Get Me Out Of Here and Harry Fry's 2012 Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby.

There are 11 Irish entries, five from the stable of champion trainer Willie Mullins, including Wicklow Brave and recent Irish November Handicap winner Clondaw Warrior.