Marsh Warbler's ready to triumph, says Ellison

Brian Ellison has ruled Marsh Warbler out of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and will instead head for the JBC Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The four-year-old, who upset Sam Winner and Smad Place in the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow in January, is a 14-1 shot with Sportingbet for the 2m 1f contest on March 18 while his beaten rivals are as short as 8-1 in places.

Trainer Ellison said: "I think there are a lot of people who are totally disrespecting the horse. He's won his last three races and he has only once had to be given a slap on the run-in by his jockey Fearghal Davis.

"He absolutely flew when we schooled him yesterday. He's rated 151 by the handicapper - higher than both [Champion Hurdle hopefuls] Peddlers Cross and Menorah were when they won at Cheltenham last season."

Meanwhile, Tony McCoy will school Starluck on Wednesday before a decision is made over his participation in the Arkle Challenge Trophy.