Connections of Quantitiveeasing are hoping their Cheltenham preparations won't be scuppered by another cold spell.

The J.P. McManus-owned five-year-old is 9-1 second favourite with Paddy Power for the Neptune Management Novices' Hurdle.

Unbeaten in three starts, the Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old is expected to line up at Kempton on Friday. But Frank Berry, McManus's racing manager, is fearful of the weather forecast in the next few days.

He said: "He hasn't had a run since December when he won at Newbury. He's only had two runs over hurdles this season and it would be good to get him a bit more experience before Cheltenham. The forecast isn't looking too clever, though."

Kempton are deploying frost covers today as they are expecting temperatures dip to -3C overnight.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: "If the forecast is right, from experience we should be fine. The only worry is if there is any accumulation of snow."

Emma Lavelle is looking forward to seeing Tocca Ferro taking his place in the line-up against Quantitiveeasing.

The exciting five-year-old won a novices' hurdle at Southwell last month and his trainer said: "I was very impressed with him last time. The race wasn't run to suit because they went no gallop and he really quickened up off a slow pace.

"I want to see how this step up in trip suits him - he is bred for it and there is enough stamina in his pedigree to suggest he'll get it.

"If he comes through as I expect him too, we'll look at Cheltenham and my gut feeling is the Neptune Management Novices' Hurdle over 2m 5f is the race for him."