Nigel Twiston-Davies is confident The New One will have the chance to prove himself in Saturday's Champion Hurdle Trial.
The seven-year-old heads to Haydock in fine form having won at the course in November, a triumph that came in-between victories at both Kempton and Cheltenham meaning, he is unbeaten so far this season.
Despite giving weight to his six opponents, The New One is the heavy favourite to win comfortably on Merseyside, as he looks to reaffirm his status as a genuine contender for the Champion hurdle itself at March's Festival.
Although the recent inclement weather has led to some doubt over whether the meeting will go ahead, Twiston-Davies says he has spoken to those in charge and is confident his stable star will get the chance to prove his Cheltenham credentials with another strong performance.
“I can't see the meeting being off, I've talked to Haydock and they are very confident,” the Naunton handler said. “On the off chance that it is, though, I've spoken to the BHA and they have said there's a chance the race could be saved and run somewhere else. If that happens, then great.”
