Grumeti has shown a big improvement since Alan King reported he was slightly lame on Tuesday morning.

Ante-post favourite for next Friday’s Triumph Hurdle after an easy victory in the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton on Racing Plus Chase day, Grumeti has won three out of four over hurdles.

King also has Balder Succes in the JCB-sponsored event, but Grumeti remains his number one hope.

“I was much happier with Grumeti this morning,” King said on Wednesday.

“Things are looking positive. He is going the right away, and we will keep everybody posted. “Grumeti spread his right fore shoe on Monday, causing the toe clip to go into the foot, which left him lame, but the soreness is coming out, which has to be a good sign.”