However, she managed to win her last two outings in valuable events at Haydock and Sandown and will tackle the Grade Two event rather than her two options on Saturday, Ascot’s Betfair Handicap Hurdle and the Casino 36 Stockport Rendlesham Hurdle back at Haydock.

“She’s most likely to run at Fontwell, as it has always been the plan,” said Newmarket-based Wadham.

“We basically feel she is slightly better over two and a half miles than three, and she is very effective on heavy ground, which we hope they will have at Fontwell.

“Looking at the entries, she is very ’well-in’ with her mares’ allowance. She had an interrupted season last year, which was not helped by a run at Auteuil when she was pulled up, but she has looked much more herself this season.”

The National Spirit has been won in the past by the likes of Baracouda and last year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle hero My Way De Solzen.

It looks a weaker affair this time around with Refinement, The French Furze and Kasbah Bliss among the best from a 14-strong entry.

A decent performance could persuade Wadham to give United a shot at the stayers’ crown at Cheltenham, for which she is currently a 40-1 shot with the sponsors.

“I think if she ran well, it would be a possibility, especially if the ground came up soft,” she said.

“Otherwise, I shall also enter her for the Coral Cup.”