Virgilio will test the waters in graded company in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
Virgilio will test the waters in graded company in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
The Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old turned what look a competitive handicap at Aintree on Saturday into a procession.
He will now be stepped up in class, and a clash with World Hurdle winner Cole Harden is on the cards.
"Virgilio will go to Cheltenham on New Year's Day for the two-and-a-half-mile conditions race," said Skelton.
"We thought we may as well give it a try in that sort of race.
"He's been put up 11lb by the handicapper to 149 so that is the reason and we'll see how he gets on in graded company.
"We'd thought about going chasing with him, but those plans are on hold now."
Skelton also was pleased to report Al Ferof had come through his Peterborough Chase exertions with flying colours.
"Al Ferof is A1 and now all roads lead to Kempton for the King George," he said.