Gordon Elliot is in upbeat mood ahead of Carlito Brigante’s trip to Cheltenham next month.

The trainer is preparing his stable star for a tilt at the JCB Triumph Hurdle and he is currently one of the market principals for the big race.

Formerly trained by David Wachman, the star has won three of his only four starts over obstacles and he is responsible for an impressive success over current Triumph Hurdle favourite Alaivan at Leopardstown.

"He's in very good form at the moment and the plan would be for him to work after racing at either Navan on Saturday or Leopardstown on Sunday," said Elliott.

"After that he'll go straight to Cheltenham for the Triumph Hurdle and we'll see what happens.

"Maybe Alaivan is shorter because Edward O'Grady trains him, but I think we beat him fair and square at Leopardstown.

"We've also gone on and won again at Musselburgh since and I think Cheltenham will suit our horse very well.

"He tough, improving and will love the hill, so I wouldn't swap him for anything else in the race."

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