Spring targets await for smart prospect Alexei as German Flat import makes it two from two over hurdles

Grade 1 targets are on the horizon for German Flat import Alexei after he made it two wins from as many hurdle starts for Joe Tizzard and Micheal Nolan.

The attractive four-year-old made light work of defying a penalty he earned when winning over 2m3f at the track last month, travelling strongly and finishing well in the 2m½f novice hurdle to beat Thistle Be The One by seven and a half lengths.

He is under consideration for a relatively quick turnaround in the Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on December 26 and it is hoped he can soon throw his hat into the ring for the Cheltenham Festival. 

"That was a better performance than his first run here and it looked a deeper race," Tizzard said. "He travelled great and did it nicely. He's improved and improved at home. I think he's grown. We'll have to step him up in grade now, that's for certain.

"The Formby will be looked at as he hasn't had a hard race. Today he looked to have plenty of toe on beautiful ground and he jumped slick. He's a progressive horse and it's good fun. If he runs well up in grade next time he'll give himself a shot at Cheltenham."

Unibet offer 33-1 about Alexei for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March.

Talented Tashan

Tashan showed a smart turn of foot for Emma Lavelle and Joe Anderson to confirm Warwick form, with Denzil, who was seven and a half lengths back in the 2m½f junior hurdle. 

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