Katchit on course for Aintree

Katchit will attempt to become just the third horse to achieve the JCB Triumph Hurdle/John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle double at Aintree next week.

Only Detroit City last year and Pollardstown in 1979 have completed victories in the season’s top two juvenile events.

Katchit’s trainer Alan King has been given an extra incentive with the Liverpool event having been upgraded to Grade One status.

A winner of six of his seven starts since making a successful hurdling debut at Market Rasen in September, he hammered the field at Cheltenham and surged away by nine lengths.

King reported: “Katchit will go to Aintree and he’s in very good form.

He’s due to work tomorrow but as things are, I’m very happy with him.

“He holds a Punchestown entry but he was only in there as a back-up.

“I’m totally thrilled with the way he’s progressed this season – amazed really. It’s been a wonderful story.

“I’ll be over the moon if he wins at Aintree regardless of the distance.

“He sets the standard for them and I’m pleased with him so we’ll see how he gets on.”