Jefferson's new star ready to shine

"All trainers like to have a star in the yard and we've been short of one," he added. "I just hope that he's the next one, but he's in great fettle and the way he has gone round Haydock you would think Newbury would suit him down to the ground."

The withdrawal of Rooster Booster, Westender and Accordion Etoile at the top of the weights has enabled Roman Ark to creep into the handicap on 10st 4lb, but connections of ante-post favourite Essex are considering a rethink after the 15lb hike left the gelding on 11st 6lb as opposed to 10-st 5lb.

Michael O'Brien, who trains the impressive Pierse Hurdle winner, had worrying news for punters who have backed the five-year-old down to as short as 100-30.

"That is certainly not the news I wanted to hear," he told the Racing Post. "I'll have to talk to the owners and see what they want to do. He's well, but it will be a day or two before we decide whether he'll run."

Martin Pipe trains 13 of the 39 horses left in at the 5-day stage.

Ladbroke Hurdle winner Tamarinbleu and leading novice Marcel are the champion trainer's leading contenders judged on the betting, while Nicky Henderson is worried that a big weight will anchor Geos as he bids to win Britain's richest handicap hurdle for the third time.

Meanwhile, Newbury also looks set to play host to two leading Queen Mother Champion Chase hopes on Saturday when Well Chief and Azertyuiop clash in the Game Spirit Chase. Coral have made Well Chief their 8-11 favourite to follow up his thrilling Victor Chandler Chase success. Azertyuiop can be backed at 5-4, though Paul Nicholls has warned punters that he has left plenty to work on in the hope that his stable star will peak for the main event at Cheltenham on 16 March.