AL AND HEARTY

BRENDAN POWELL is approaching his first ride in the Unibet Champion Hurdle believing he can at least hit the placings on Alexei.

- BY JON LEES

The Joe Tizzard-trained six-year-old has been rising up the ranks, winning three of his five starts, including the Greatwood and Kingwell Hurdle, a recognised trial for the big race.

Alexei was among nine horses left in contention yesterday, headed by favourite The New Lion and defending champion Golden Ace. Tutti Quanti was supplemented by Paul Nicholls for £18,000.