Improving Kumbeshwar set for Fred Winter Festival challenge
Kumbeshwar could only finish third, beaten over 17 lengths, behind JCB Triumph Hurdle fancy Zarkandar in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.
The four year old won at Sandown on his debut before being stepped up in class for the Victor Ludorum at Haydock just over a week ago.
He finished third there despite struggling on the testing ground before lining up at Kempton again just seven days later for his third run which qualified him for the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival.
He may have been well held but pleased King who told his website www.alankingracing.co.uk that "all roads now lead to the Fred Winter".
King added: "That was a good solid run and I was very pleased with him, especially as it was only a week since his last run.
"The plan was always to lie handy as Kempton is a speed track, and Kumbeshwar jumped really well and is certainly getting his act together in that department."
King also had news of Bakbenscher who was well supported for the Racing Post Chase only to struggle with his fencing before unseating at the twelfth.
"It was disappointing, but I wasn't really surprised," reflected King who hopes that the grey gelding can prove more effective when racing on a stiffer track having won well at Exeter on his penultimate start.
The eight year old still holds an entry for the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase.
