Henderson and Geraghty were delighted with Giorgio Quercus' performance when beating Nine Stories by one and a quarter lengths in the John Smith's Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial.

However the Triumph Hurdle proper is not certain to be on his agenda.

Henderson explained: "I thought he would be better on a track like this than he was at Chepstow or Cheltenham.

"He is also qualified for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, but I think he would probably better suited to Aintree or Punchestown."

Geraghty added: "That was a good performance, the second horse is pretty decent and the third (West With The Wind, beaten seven and a quarter lengths) represents the best of the northern form."

Bellvano remained unchanged at 20-1 for the Cheltenham Champion Bumper after his victory in the Country Refreshments Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race.

Henderson said of the JP Magnier-ridden gelding: "I don't know if he will go for the Cheltenham bumper, but he is a good horse and he has a good jockey."

Kalahari King justified 4-5 favouritism to win the John Smith's Extra Smooth Novices' Chase.

Ferdy Murphy's charge is a general 10-1 chance for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy, but ground conditions will determine whether he will head for the Cheltenham Festival.

The Graham Lee-ridden gelding quickened up nicely on the run-in to edge away from the long-time leader Astarador and score by one and three-quarter lengths.

Murphy said: "The key is that the ground needs to dry up if he is to go to Cheltenham.

"There are plenty of other alternatives such as Aintree, Ayr and Punchestown.

"He has won over two and a half miles but he is a genuine two-mile horse.

"On lively ground, he can play at the top table."

Richard Guest is also keeping his fingers crossed for Cheltenham after watching European Dream, whose owners include football managers Phil Brown and Sam Allardyce, win the John Smith's Scottish County Hurdle under Paddy Aspell.

Shaun Harris, spokesman for Guest, said: "We'd love to run him in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

"The problem is whether he'd get into the race - but that win might help.

"It would be a dream to go there and although he's won on a track like this, we think Cheltenham would suit him even better."

Alex Voy gained the first success of his career on his 21st ride when bringing Strobe home in front in the Daily Record/Garry Owen Handicap Hurdle.

Voy sent the 16-1 shot to the front approaching three out and passed the post with two and a quarter lengths in hand over the Charlton-trained Danish Rebel.

Trainer Lucy Normile's husband, Alan, said: "That was great for Alex, he works for us and is a good lad who does not smoke or drink and is a grafter.

"He is from Haddington, which is only a few miles from here."

George Charlton's team have been rather quiet of late but Knockara Beau brought back the smiles with a decisive success in the Scottish Racing Novices' Hurdle at Musselburgh.

Charlton said: "Our horses have been running in and out, but that was quite impressive and he is back to the form he showed in bumpers.

"We bought Knockara Beau as a foal and I think he is going to be top class."

Evan Williams also sent out his first winner on the course when Paul Moloney brought Chrysander home in front in the Daily Record/Garry Owen Claiming Chase.