Haslam excited by Cheltenham-bound duo

The duo will be part of JP McManus’ team next month, with the legendary Irish owner also set to run the likes of Buveur D’Air, Le Richebourg, Champ and Sir Erec.

Haslam’s pair have impressed at Prestbury Park in the past with Bouvreuil placing at three Festivals when he was trained by Paul Nicholls.

He is set to run in either the Brown Advisory & Merribelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (Bouvreuil – 25/1 to win) or the Grand Annual.

Squouateur may return for the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, after finishing third last year for Gordon Elliott.

When asked about the duo, Haslam told reporters: “We’ve had some good winners with some of Mr McManus’ horses – and with a bit of luck, we might have some heading to Cheltenham in March.

“Squouateur, who hasn’t run for me yet, was third in the Kim Muir last season. We’ll try and freshen him up and have a go at that with him.

“Bouvreuil won at Wetherby in December. He’s a horse that seems to run best fresh, so we’ve kept him back for the Plate on the same day as the Kim Muir – unless there’s a lot of rain.

“He’s got the option of the Grand Annual as well.

“Those horses that have good form at Cheltenham, it’s always good to try to get them back there for another crack.”

Odds subject to change.