Classy chase recruit Medermit continues to excite jockey Richard Thornton ahead of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

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The former hurdler was last seen chasing home Hell’s Bay in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham, a result that came after Medermit had won over fences for the first time at Plumpton.

Thornton now believes that Alan King’s superstar would have no issue running in either the Arkle or the new Jewson Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham and explained:  "The experiment [stepping him up in trip] worked very well, he got the trip. To get beat by Hell's Bay was a bit ironic but that's life, all you can do is laugh.”

Thornton was aboard Hell’s Bay when he was injured and forced out of the saddle for three months but the jockey commented:  "There were no hard feelings there, it was nice for the Tizzard family.

"Medermit's jumping was quite slick at Cheltenham and it will only get quicker and slicker, I was really pleased with him.

"I don't think it will matter what race he goes for at the Festival, whether it's the Arkle or the Jewson. If his jumping keeps going the right way, he could be a very good Cheltenham prospect."