Malton's Ellison looking towards Wetherby

The seven-year-old, a smart novice hurdler last season, was a fine second to the ill-fated Baradari in the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock in November. That form has worked out extremely well with the fifth, Yala Enki, winning the Lanzarote last weekend and the seventh, Tea For Two, winning the Grade One Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day under Lizzie Kelly.

Definitly Red then survived a major blunder before prevailing at Catterick on New Year’s Day under Danny Cook.

“I would have thought it’s more likely that we’ll wait for Wetherby,” said Malton-based Ellison. “He’ll get an RSA entry at the Cheltenham Festival, but he could be one for the four-miler, he’s an out-and-out stayer.

“He’s never been the type to go and win by 20 lengths and at Catterick he just did enough; he’s very laid-back. He’s absolutely flying at home and is really filling out. All last year we kept saying he’s one for next year and the year after, he’s only just turned seven.”

Evan Williams is considering a crack at the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on January 30 for Buywise.

The Welsh trainer feels the track will be ideal for the nine-year-old, who finished second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and fourth in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham on his last two starts.