Hurdling has proved Flying Gunner's game this season and he can record his fourth victory of the term in today's Levy Board Handicap Hurdle at Newbury.

The son of Gunner B has the frame of a chaser but he failed to adapt to the larger obstacles and the eight-year-old reverted to timber over course and distance in November with immediate success.

David Nicholson's charge followed up from Bankhead at Chepstow in November and, after a narrow defeat by the useful Alpine Panther at Bangor, reverted to winning ways at Uttoxeter in January, beating Dom Beltrano.

That was a gruelling race but he has been given a near six-week rest and should be spot-on for this.

Flying Gunner has been raised 21lb in the ratings since that initial triumph but he gives the impression that there is something in the locker.

The absence of Elite Triumph Hurdle favourite Katarino makes Scarlet Pimpernel's task much easier in the Stroud Green Juvenile Novice Hurdle.