Nick Gifford hopes spin at Ascot will get Straw Bear roaring

The eight-year-old will take on Triumph Hurdle victor Zaynar and former Champion Hurdle
winners Hardy Eustace and Katchit in a high-class field for the Ascot Hurdle over an extended 2m3f on Saturday.

The dual Grade One winner has not scored since landing the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day 2007 and has disappointed in his five starts over fences, including on his seasonal debut at Warwick when he was a distant fourth to top novice Somersby.

Gifford said: "We just want to get his confidence back more than anything, so we're reverting back to hurdles and heading to Ascot.

"His jumping was lacklustre at Warwick and hopefully a spin over hurdles will help him. We're scratching our heads a bit with him.

"It may tell us if he needs further, in which case the World Hurdle over three miles might be a
possibility, but he'll appreciate the soft ground."

Straw Bear's owner JP McManus will be doubly represented in the race, as trainer Alan King is set to saddle Ballymore Properties' Novices
Hurdle runner-up Karabak. The Nicky Henderson-trained Zaynar is the 7-4 favourite with Victor Chandler, who part owns the grey.

Meanwhile, trainer Eddie O'Grady says 2008 Champion Hurdle runner-up Osana is likely to miss the Drinmore Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday week. The seven-year-old is 7-2 favourite with Paddy Power for the Grade One event and as low as 8-1 with Betfred for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March. But Osana, who recently made a winning debut over fences at Navan, is set to return there for his next run.

O'Grady said: "He's fine. He's come out of the race well and it is always pleasing to have a winner but it's unlikely he'll go to Fairyhouse.

"There's a race for him at Navan the following Saturday [5 December]."

Notre Pere will run against dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday after coming through a schooling session yesterday.

The Welsh National winner, who fell in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his return earlier this month, was cut from 3-1 to 5-2 by Coral, Paddy Power and Bet365. Kauto Star is a best priced 11-10 with several firms.