Trainer Gavin Cromwell believes Darver Star has earned his place in the Unibet Champions Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
The eight-year-old put in a tremendous effort to finish second to Honeysuckle in the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown last Saturday, getting within half-a-length of the winner.
That second place came after a third-placed finish to Envoi Allen at Fairyhouse in December, with that run preceded by four wins on the bounce, so Cromwell says he is ready for Cheltenham.
“He's come out of the race well,” said Cromwell.
“We were delighted with the run. It was a good solid performance. He stayed on really well – so please God, we'll go forward. He's in the Champion Hurdle and if all remains well he can hopefully go there.”
