Aran team favour Warwick wilt

Keith Goldsworthy’s stable star Hills Of Aran is likely to revert to novice company on Saturday.

A second crack at Warwick’s Grade Two Ballymore Properties Leamington Novices’ Hurdle is the favoured option at this stage rather than Kempton’s intercasino.co.uk Lanzarote Hurdle – for which he is also entered.

However, Goldsworthy is awaiting the news on the gelding’s revised rating following the yard’s biggest victory to date in the Unicoin Homes Handicap Hurdle on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham.

“I haven’t really looked at the races but a lot will depend what mark the handicapper gives,” said the Pembrokeshire-based trainer.

“He was third in the Warwick race last year behind Labelthou and Zilcash (beaten 28 lengths) but he is a much better horse this year.

“He’s proven on the track and I think he would have a smaller penalty in the novice race.

“He won off 130 and I expect the handicapper to put him up to 140.

“In that case he will be close to top weight and as he’s not a big horse, I would not want to run him in those conditions (in the Lanzarote).

“He’s very fresh actually and I’m very pleased with him.”

Should the six-year-old head to Warwick, he could face some interesting rivals including Challow Hurdle winner Souffleur and Nenuphar Collonges, who defeated Peter Bowen’s charge at Cheltenham a couple of weeks earlier.

The likes of Marleybow, Crocodiles Rock and One Gulp have impressed this season and are also entered at Warwick.