PNicholls

I was astounded by Silviniaco Conti's win at Ascot on Saturday - in fact, I got up at 5am on Monday morning to watch the race again to make sure I wasn't seeing things!

I don't think that I have ever had a horse that has surprised me so much in such a short space of time.

I tweeted on the way back from Aintree that I was considering going for the Bula at Cheltenham next month - and I can reveal, that all being well, that is where he will go next.

I have to give him a chance to stake a Champion Hurdle claim after Saturday's win.

What impressed me most was the supreme ease with which he travelled at Ascot, and Noel said to me that he hasn't even had a slap yet.

So I said: "Keep that until March!!!"

I saw that one bookmaker quoted him at 7-2 for the World Hurdle, but that won't be happening. He is not a stayer at this stage of his career.

If he finds 2m too sharp at Cheltenham, then I will aim him for the 2m4f Aintree Hurdle.

We are obviously well served by Big Buck's in the World Hurdle, and he is all set for Newbury on Saturday. Noel will come down to school him on Wednesday.

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