Signs are pointing to '¨each-way effort for Tinkler

Jockey Barry Geraghty, right, jumps the last on Sign of a Victory to go on and win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Ascot in November 2014 (Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire).

The fact that the gelding is one of five Nicky Henderson-trained runners indicates that this is a wide-open renewal with the field headed by the Willie Mullins mare Annie Power.

Malton-born Tinkler, who was third in the 2010 renewal aboard Zaynar, told The Yorkshire Post: “He’s a horse that is hard to place.

“He could have top weight in the County Hurdle or take his chance in a wide open Champion Hurdle.

“He’s a better horse on better ground as he proved when he was second to Cheltenian in last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle. He’s in great from at home. The more sun between now and the race, the better for my each-way hopes.”

Tinkler hopes to have eight rides at the meeting – he was victorious 12 months ago on Call The Cops for Matt and Lauren Morgan who own Sign Of A Victory.

While he would not rule out Henderson’s My Tent Or Yours winning the Champion Hurdle after a 703-day lay-off, he believes The New One could be the one to beat for Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies.

“Once Faugheen was ruled out, the race opened up,” he added.

“The fact Nicky runs five suggests it is open. I’ve never heard people so bullish about The New One. That’s coming from people who know a well horse when they see one, and you take them seriously.”