Fenton cool on Dunguib

Dunguib is likely to have an entry in the Champion Hurdle although he is almost certain to stick to the novice route.

Last season's Champion Bumper horse has made a seamless transition to timber, impressing in Grade One company at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.

Phillip Fenton's six-year-old routed his five opponents on heavy ground in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, and is as low as 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle with Sky Bet.

However, the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham remains the ultimate target this season although plans remain fluid.

"At the moment we are going to stick to novice races, but I would imagine he'll have an entry in the Champion Hurdle," the County Tipperary handler said.

"If we did go down that route we might look at the Irish Champion Hurdle beforehand, but all the options are open and we just want to make sure we make the right decision.

"He's been out in the field for the first half of the morning and seems in good shape, so I'm delighted.

"He ate up well last night which is always good when they've had a race on heavy ground - you never know how much it has taken out of them.

"The ground might not have looked all that testing but it really was tiring ground, so we'll just have to see how he is in a week or so before we decide where we'll go with him.

"We'll have a chat about whether we'll run at Christmas or not and then make a plan."

Brian O'Connell has partnered the gelding on all eight appearances and believes he will improve on better ground.

"The pacemaker in the race (Deise Dan) helped me as it was a good gallop and a true-run race, so it worked out in our favour," the jockey told At The Races.

"Going that bit better gallop meant he jumped much better and I was delighted with him.

"It's hard to say how much more is to come but he travels so well in a race and just seems to pick up very easily.

"Personally I think he'll be better on better ground, but he has so much class he seems to handle heavy."

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet added: "He won without having to come out of second gear and will be many people's idea of a banker at this early stage of the season for the Festival in March."