Soto set for hurdling bow

Smart bumper horse De Soto could make his eagerly-anticipated hurdling debut next month.

The Paul Webber-trained four-year-old is currently a 16-1 chance with Ladbrokes for the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He was last seen in action when finishing a neck behind Missed That in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Three-quarters of a length back in third was Rasharrow, who has won his three subsequent races.

Webber said: “We are looking forward to seeing De Soto in a novice hurdle around the second week in December.

“He was second in a very strong bumper and with Rasharrow winning and all that, we’re looking OK.

“He looks great, he schooled over hurdles in the spring and he thought it was great fun.

“We are looking forward to it very much.”