Ambitious plan for Kasbah

Francois Doumen is plotting an ambitious year for progressive stayer Kasbah Bliss, culminating in a bid for the Ascot Gold Cup.

The seven-year-old chased home Inglis Drever in last year's World Hurdle and a return to Cheltenham is on the agenda with a warm-up run beforehand.

Then it will be on to Aintree before Ascot in June, where the likely fast ground will suit the horse, who showed progressive form on the level in the autumn.

Doumen is set to run Kasbah Bliss in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock on February 14 but Fontwell is also an option.

"I would really prefer to give him a run before Cheltenham," said the French trainer.

"There is also that other race at Fontwell - the National Spirit - which is a bit shorter, but I did it with Baracouda in 2001. It is always weather permitting and I will keep that in mind too.

"He stopped after Cheltenham last year and had a break from March until August, when he started to run on the Flat.

"Since he ran on the Flat he has been off since October and has had another good break.

"It has always been the target to go to Cheltenham and he runs well fresh - he doesn't need two or three comeback races.

"His Flat quality cannot be ignored and that is going to help him go up the hill."

On his longer term plans, Doumen added: "There is Liverpool after Cheltenham. It is hard to do both but I may be tempted.

"Longer term he will run in the Ascot Gold Cup. That will be my first runner there and the faster the ground, the better for him."