'The Ultima's always been the plan' - Snowden hopeful for owner's festival race

Jamie Snowden has backed Kiltealy Briggs to make a splash in the Ultima Handicap Chase for race sponsor and owner Max McNeill after his victory at Musselburgh on Saturday.

The eight-year-old, who finished ninth in the Paddy Power Plate at the festival last season, is available at around 20-1 for the handicap.

After scoring by a neck at Haydock in December, Kiltealy Briggs was third behind Ahoy Senor and Bravemansgame in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day but soon returned to winning ways when beating Pay The Piper by half a length last time.

"The Ultima has always been the plan this season," said Snowden. "He won nicely up at Haydock and ran really well in the Kauto Star. We gave him a flu vaccination and a bit of time to rest after that.

"We needed to get a run into him before the Ultima and his owners [the McNeill family] like having runners at Musselburgh. He stepped back in trip on better ground but got away with it, and the step back up to three miles will help. It was a gritty performance after the last.

"He'll undoubtedly have a bit more weight in the Ultima now, but he jumps like a seasoned handicapper and ran well at the festival last March. He's a second-season novice, which has helped him this year."

Stoney Mountain: on course for the Pertemps FinalCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The trainer, who first won at the festival with Present View in 2014, could also be represented by Stoney Mountain, who is on course for the Pertemps Network Final after winning at Newbury in November.

Discussing his other contenders, Snowden added: "Stoney Mountain qualified off a mark of 138 and is now rated 139. Up For Parol was a bit unlucky in the Lanzarote Hurdle as he had to race wide. He'll have an entry in the Coral Cup and will ideally run at Wetherby next week.

"Anythingforlove will only run if there's lots of rain as she likes deep ground, Milldam is in the Triumph but might go for the Fred Winter, while Hogan's Height is a possible candidate for the hunter chase."

Read more:

Paddy Corkery: Master McShee met a superstar in Galopin Des Champs

'Something isn't right' – Paul Nicholls stumped as he seeks reason for poor form

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets