Greatrex hoping Wetherby can beat the weather for Mighty Bandit

Warren Greatrex has the Grand Annual in mind for Mighty Bandit, who could further his chasing experience this weekend if Wetherby beats the cold snap that is decimating the UK jumps programme.

A €420,000 purchase from the Andrew and Gemma Brown dispersal in early 2024, he is a winner both over hurdles and on the Flat, but has started to really hit his stride over the larger obstacles, following up a second to Ben Pauling’s Arkle hope Mambonumberfive with a game victory back at Newbury in December.

He could now line up in the William Hill’s Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase, as the Lambourn handler plots a course to either the Cheltenham Festival or Aintree in the spring.

“If I can get Mighty Bandit to Wetherby, it looks a nice little race for him,” said Greatrex.

“A lot depends obviously on the weather, but he came out of his Newbury win well and all being well he will run.

“If I’m thinking of Cheltenham in March he needs three runs over fences and I’ve got plenty of time, but the more experience I can give him the better and to take him away from Newbury won’t do him any harm, seeing a different track.

“I think the Grand Annual is his sort of race and if we didn’t go there we would go to Aintree, but just the way he jumps and travels, the Grand Annual looks a good spot for him.”

Another Rhonehurst inmate set to be primed for a Cheltenham Festival appearance is Prestbury Park specialist Herakles Westwood, who will have entries for both the Ultima and Kim Muir after his success in the Cotswolds on New Year’s Day.

“He’s had three fairly quick runs and all roads lead back to Cheltenham,” continued Greatrex.

“It’s a no-brainer to aim there as he loves the track and we’ll aim at the Ultima on the Old course which he has got form on and James (Bowen) could ride.

“But he will also have an entry in the Kim Muir and we’ll have to see nearer the time, but Finian Maguire rode him first time this season and that could be possible.

“I think we can go straight there, he’s had three good runs and we can give him a nice bit of time off now knowing he goes well fresh.”