Charlie Longsdon is hoping a soft palate operation has done the trick for Songe ahead of the totesport Trophy Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

Longsdon, who trains at Hull Farm stables, near Chipping Norton, decided to take the course of action after the six-year-old disappointed in his three starts so far this season.

“He's all geared for Newbury,” said Longsdon of his charge, who is a 40-1 outsider with the sponsors.

“I'd been concerned he wasn't quite finishing his races like he used to and we wanted to see what we could do.

“We had the vet have a look at him and we fired a soft palate.

“He's in great form and I'm hoping that will help him.

“Last year he was top weight in it and was 12lb higher in the handicap. He has dropped in the ratings, so I'm hoping he will run pretty well.”

Barry Geraghty believes his mount, Spirit River, has the right credentials for the valuable handicap.

Nicky Henderson’s charge is the 11-2 favourite with the sponsors following an impressive victory at Cheltenham in December.

“He could be well handicapped.” said Geraghty. “He won well at Cheltenham on only his second start in England.

“He gave me a nice feel, so I'm looking forward to the race. It will be a hot race, it always is, but I think he's the right horse for it.”

Totesport Trophy (sponsors’ odds): 11-2 Spirit River, 7-1 Harry Tricker, 8-1 Get Me Out Of Here, Ronaldo des Mottes, 10-1 Mamlook, Takeroc, 12 Fairyland, Manyriverstocross, 14-1 Stravinsky Dance, 20-1 Numide, 25-1 Any Given Day, First Point, Frontier Dancer, Keki Buku, 33-1 others.

EAST Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison sent out There And Then to make a winning debut in a Southwell bumper on Wednesday.