Pettifour set Newbury test

Progressive hurdler Pettifour will bid for a five-timer in the toteswinger Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies will test the six-year-old against the best stayers in Britain and Ireland as he bids to extend his unbeaten run over timber.

His trainer acknowledges he will face the stiffest task of his career against the likes of triple World Hurdle hero Inglis Drever at the weekend, but is hopeful his charge can prove up to the task.

"Pettifour will take his chance on Saturday and he is doing everything right at home," said Twiston-Davies.

"Obviously it was quick ground at Wetherby last time but if it is softer, that won't be a problem as it all comes the same to him.

"It will be the acid test at the weekend but he is improving and unbeaten over hurdles, so hopefully it will stay that way."

Oliver McKiernan will send Whatuthink from Ireland after the six-year-old chased home Catch Me in the Lismullen Hurdle over two and a half miles at Navan on his latest start.

"We were going to go for the Long Walk but that's a bit close to Leopardstown at Christmas and he'll probably go there for the three-miler after this one," said Adrian Keatley, assistant to the County Dublin-based handler.

"There aren't many of these type of races in Ireland so it's an opportunity for him to see how he gets on against this type of opponent.