Mouse Morris is hoping the extra distance of next week's Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown will eke out a bit more improvement from Alpha Des Obeaux.
A top-class staying hurdler last season when only the exceptional Thistlecrack had his measure at the Cheltenham Festival, he has made a good start over fences.
Well beaten on his opening foray at Tipperary in October, he stepped up on that three weeks later when winning at Thurles. He then landed a Grade Three at Cork in good style before running respectably in the Drinmore over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse when third to the impressive Coney Island
"Alpha Des Obeaux will go for the three-mile Grade One at Leopardstown," said Morris.
"The longer trip should hopefully suit him."
