CHELTENHAM – Alexei announced himself as a real prospect for trainer Joe Tizzard with an emphatic six-length triumph in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday.

The German-bred gelding was sent off as the 100-30 favourite under jockey Brendan Powell, delivering a performance that exceeded even his trainer's high expectations on the final day of Cheltenham's November meeting.

Impressive Build-Up

Alexei came into the race having finished second to Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his seasonal reappearance before winning a valuable Ascot handicap. Those performances led to market confidence, with the gelding backed from 15-2 to 7-2 favourite in the days before the race.

The withdrawal of Celtic Dino due to ground conditions removed Alexei's Chepstow conqueror from the contest, but the winner left no doubt about his superiority in the prestigious handicap hurdle.

Dominant Display

After travelling handily throughout, Alexei showed plenty of ability to work his way through the field and hit the front up the hill, powering clear after the last to record a commanding victory.

Trainer Joe Tizzard was effusive in his praise after the race. "To go away like he did after the last, it was a proper performance", said Tizzard, who also enjoyed success earlier on the card with Triple Trade, also ridden by Powell.

"Coming to the last I did just wonder what he was going to find, but Brendan said he wanted company coming down to it because he just has a look when he gets to the last", the trainer explained.

Conditions No Concern

Despite questions about how Alexei would handle the testing ground, Tizzard had researched the horse's German form and felt reasonably confident. "The ground was my only concern, but it didn't hinder him at all", he said.

The trainer noted that conditions suited his charge perfectly: "He won over two-mile-three in his maiden last year, so a fast-run two miles is ideal for him".

Bright Future

Owner Garth Broom, whose previous Cheltenham highlight came with Native River's 2018 Gold Cup victory, believes Alexei could develop beyond handicap company. "He was more impressive there than he was at Ascot, wasn't he? I think he could be better than a handicapper", Broom said.

Tizzard remained measured about future plans. "I haven't got a plan with him, the plan was these two and that's where we're at. Garth and Anne (Broom) are the best owners you can wish for, they deserve every success they get", the trainer added.

The victory capped a remarkable run of form for Alexei, who has now won twice in the space of two weeks and established himself as one of the most exciting hurdlers in training.