Connections of Defi Du Seuil are confident at the fantastic juvenile takes on a competitive field of five for his racecourse return in the Grade Two Coral Hurdle (2:40).
The unbeaten four-year-old was a different league as a juvenile hurdler last year, winning all seven starts including a five-length romp in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
A three-time Grade One winner, he takes on elders for the first time in his career as he plots his way towards the Champion Hurdle next March.
He was ruled out of last week’s Greatwood Hurdle, but his team are expecting another solid performance against some strong opposition in Berkshire.
“He was fantastic last season and everyone has been very impressed by what he has done,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus.
“Even if he was half as good then he would be great! We couldn’t be happier with him at the moment!”
“We are happy with him and it looks a great place to start him off. Phillip (Hobbs) is very happy with him and we are looking forward to seeing a good run.”
Nicky Henderson’s L’Ami Serge has a consistent record in some of the top hurdling races for the champion trainer.
The seven-year-old makes his return for the first time since winning the French Champion Hurdle in June.
Lil Rockerfeller was a narrow loser in the Stayer’s Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, and made a promising return at Wetherby last time out.
Neil King’s star lost by just under a length to Yanworth in this contest last year, before finishing a runner-up in two Grade One events last season. The six-year-old was a long way off when third in Yorkshire last month.
Karl Thornton’s Wakea and Warren Greatrex’s Dicosimo also take their chance.
