NICK GIFFORD believes an infection was to blame for Straw Bear’s tame effort in the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day.

Ungaro, who preserved his unbeaten record over fences with a 10-length drubbing of Boychuk at Kempton on St Stephen's Day, is to tackle the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown on February 3 before any Cheltenham plans are firmed up.

Feathard Lady stormed to the forefront of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle picture as she extended her unbeaten run to seven under a peach of a ride from Ruby Walsh in the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Sandown.

Trainer Nicky Henderson is happy with Crozan ahead of the Stan James Feltham Novices’ Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day.