Brain Power entered the Champion Hurdle conversation over the weekend thanks to an excellent victory in the International Hurdle.
The Nicky Henderson trained horse picked up one of the key racing results at Cheltenham on Saturday and as such was cut from 50/1 into 25/1 for the Champion Hurdle for the Festival in the spring.
The 7-year-old endured a difficult career over fences with only glimpses of his undoubted class but after the decision was made to switch to the smaller obstacles, it does now appear as if the right decision was made.
Owner Michael Buckley is reported to have made the call to revert the horse back to hurdles and on this evidence it appears as if he now has an each-way contender for the feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on his hands.
Brain Power was getting weight from some good rivals at Prestbury Park but even taking that into account, this was an impressive display. The horse quickened in taking style off the final bend to put the race to bed and although this was not enough to put Brain Power in the frame for winning a Champion Hurdle, it was certainly a good performance from a potential each-way contender.
Elsewhere at Cheltenham, the big race of the day on Saturday saw the brilliant Frodon claim the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup for Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost in stunning style. The 7-year-old star won the contest despite carrying 11st 12lbs in lovely fashion ahead of Cepage and Guitar Pete who ran on to pick up the pieces in 3rd place.