Sivola on way to Cheltenham

A trip to the Cheltenham Festival is on the agenda for Sivola De Sivola following his eyecatching success at Newbury last weekend.

The five-year-old strolled home by five lengths in a qualifier for the Pertemps Final in March and trainer Tom George is mulling a crack at that race.

However, George will also consider the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the showpiece event, although plans are unlikely to be decided in the near future.

“He’s developing into the horse that we always thought he would – he’s always been held in high regard so to speak,” said George.

“He had some very good form in novice hurdles last season and finished second to (Aintree Grade Two winner) Spirit Son, but he was just a bit mentally immature so we decided to keep his novice status for this season.

“He’s qualified for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham now so that could be the aim or maybe the three-mile novices’ hurdle.

“He’s had two quick runs now though, so he won’t be back for a little while and then we will see where we are.”