Open Eagle© Photo Healy Racing
Ground conditions are likely to be key in deciding which race Open Eagle contests at the Cheltenham Festival.
A high-profile recruit for the Supreme Horse Racing Club after his November Handicap romp in 2014 for David O'Meara, the seven-year-old has a progressive profile since being sent jumping.
With Willie Mullins having decided against giving him entries in any of the handicaps at Cheltenham, Open Eagle will run in either the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle or step up to three miles for the first time in the Albert Bartlett.
Steve Massey, racing manager for Supreme Horse Racing, said: "He came out of his last race at Warwick really well.
"We were delighted with the way he travelled through the race, his jumping improved and we think he'll improve even more when he gets on better ground.
"Depending on the ground, he'll either go for the Neptune or the Albert Bartlett.
"He has enough pace for the Neptune, but we're also pretty hopeful he would stay the longer trip.
"Willie obviously has several horses to juggle and we'll just leave it up to him."
