Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies expects Pettifour to take high rank in the staying hurdle division following his third place behind Duc De Regniere in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

The imposing six-year-old was previously unbeaten over hurdles but was giving weight away to the two that finished in front of him.

Despite the reverse, Twiston-Davies, based at Nauton, near Cheltenham, feels his horse would have maintained his 100 per cent record if running off levels weights and he is counting down the hours to the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 20.

"I was delighted with him. He came out of it the best horse at the weights I thought," said Twiston-Davies.

"I don't know why you should have to carry a penalty in a championship race like that though, it should be made a Grade One.

"It will be level weights in the Long Walk though and that is where we'll head next.

"He's still progressing with every run and even though Paddy (Brennan) says he'll make a lovely chaser, we'll keep to hurdles for the moment."