Jonjo O'Neill's promising Minotaur set for Aintree test on route to 2018 Cheltenham Festival

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Jonjo O’Neill’s exciting novice Minotaur is targeting his second victory over hurdles at Aintree this evening.

The former French listed winner is a short price favourite to follow up his maiden success in the Try Foot Golf At Aintree Golf Course Novices' Hurdle (6:50).

In the famous colours of JP McManus he enjoyed a creditable hurdling debut at Ffos Las, being defeated by more experienced rivals A Bold Move and Mon Palois.

But stepped up to power clear to a 20 length success at Cartmel on his next start to enhance his credentials for Jonjo O’Neill.

He takes on a stronger field at Aintree this afternoon, but connections are confident of another strong show from the potentially brilliant five-year-old.

“He’s in good form at home and ran well last time,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus.

“Jonjo (O’Neill) is happy with him and we hope he can run well.”

His flat form is exceptionally strong for the hurdler, having ending his time in France with a four length success in listed company.

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Wichita Lineman was the last winner of the Albert Bartlett for Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus in 2007.

He won six times across the Channel picking up over £80,000 in prize money, winning on ground varying from very soft to good.

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle or Neptune Novices’ Hurdle may be a long-term target for this eight time winner.

However, he does have a declaration for the Northumberland Plate on the flat and O’Neill may try and capitalise on his tidy handicap mark of 103.

This evening his biggest rival at the Lancashire track is Jimmy Breekie who was last seen winning a novice event at Perth in good style earlier this month.

Whilst Bere Haven makes his racecourse debut for Jennie Candlish.

The seven-year-old was victorious on his only start in a point-to-point, winning at Tralee by eight lengths.

Minotaur is as short as 8/13 to take this evening’s contest.

Cheltenham winner Henryville aims to set up Summer Plate date at Uttoxeter

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Silver Trophy winner Henryville will have to defy top weight to claim Uttoxeter's feature Clarke Chase, a key trial to the Summer Plate.

Harry Fry’s nine-year-old forged clear in the Grade Two prize, before adding further success to his record at Newton Abbot last time out.

“He’s in good form in his last two runs and we’ve been pleased with him,” said the Dorset-based handler.

“He’s gone back up in the weights so hopefully he can still be competitive. We’re quietly working away to the Summer Plate at Market Rasen with him.

This race looks competitive even with only seven runners. Three have won last time out, so it promises to be competitive. Hopefully he can continue his fine form.”

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Days Of Heaven was an eight length winner back in March.

Champion trainer Nicky Henderson is also eyeing up Market Rasen’s Summer Plate with Days Of Heaven.

The seven-year-old ventured to the USA to compete in two Grade One contests, he wasn’t too far away in two attempts, and has won on both starts since returning to the UK.

“He’s in good form and we’re happy with him at home,” said the champion trainer.

“It’s the right distance and the right ground for him and he’s going well. We took him over to America, and he’s been doing really well since coming back. This looks tough, but I like him and he should go well.”

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Jonjo O'Neill will be hoping for more success for the famous colours of JP McManus.

Cheltenham-based Jonjo O’Neill saddles A Little Magic, who has been in flying form recently.

The six-year-old capped off last season with an impressive seven length victory at Market Rasen, before winning when stepped up in class at Kempton earlier this month.

“He’s in good form at home,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus. “Jonjo and the team seem really happy with him at home. We’re looking forward to it and we’re hoping for a good run.”

Gloucestershire’s Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Ballybolley, whilst Tom George’s Valseur Du Granval makes his seasonal bow.

Former Cheltenham Festival winner Ballynagour makes his first start of the season, and Richard Hobson runs Valadom.