REDDITCH trainer Ian Williams believes First Assignment's Cheltenham form can stand him in good stead when he lines up at The Festival next week.

The six-year-old is set to run in Thursday's Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at jump racing's four-day showpiece event.

The bay gelding has had a fruitful season so far, including two victories at the Gloucestershire track.

Williams said: "He'll probably start as one of the favourites for the race and he likes it at Cheltenham.

"He has run twice and won twice at the track this year, even though those wins came on the old course. The race will be on the new course but that doesn't bother me at all because I think he'll appreciate the extra stamina test.

"The form of his run at Haydock behind Paisley Park looks really good and we were delighted with his last run at Warwick.

"Hopefully there is some improvement to come from him and he arrives there fit and well."

Williams is also hopeful of having two runners in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle on Wednesday's card.

Oi the Club Oi's is already guaranteed a run and his trainer hopes the grey can put up a good showing.

The four-year-old son of Champs Elysees has put up three placed efforts from his three runs this campaign.

"He will definitely go to the Fred Winter and looks nicely handicapped.

"The bare form of his latest run looks good and he has plenty of ability. He'll be off a low weight and can hopefully be competitive."

Meanwhile, four-year-old Idilico needs others to drop out so that he can take his chance.

Williams added: "He needs six horses to come out so that he can get a run but hopefully that will happen.

"He ran well at Warwick last time and if he does get in then he'll be off a low weight as well and we think that Cheltenham will suit him."

The Portway-based handler is now looking forward to jump racing's flagship festival.

He said: "It's a really big week and everyone works hard leading up to it. You always need a bit of luck to go your way but it's an exciting time."