Trainer Francois Doumen believes Kasbah Bliss, runner-up in last year's Ladbrokes World Hurdle, can go one place better in March.

To do that he must beat warm favourite Punchestowns - something the French maestro believes is possible, on good ground.

"I've been very impressed with Punchestowns and he has been very impressive on soft ground. If we are lucky enough to get some good ground then maybe we can beat him," the trainer told sportinglife.com.

Kasbah Bliss' preparations have been held up by the cold-snap in France but Doumen has been able to keep him ticking over.

"He is very fresh and well. We had to slow down everything because of the very deep frost we've had here. It has been -13 for a very long time in Chantilly and there has been half-a-foot of snow but we will work on the all-weather course and it is quite satisfactory. Obviously we are not going very fast at the moment," he continued.

The horse has a possible engagement in the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 24 but Kasbah Bliss may take an alternative .

"I may have a look at the Cleeve this month and perhaps go for something a little further on in the calendar," Doumen said.

The handler feels Kasbah Bliss could be an even better horse than the one who chased home Inglis Drever last season.

"He's a year older now. He has won well on the Flat since at Longchamp too and he had never shown that quality on the Flat before. It shows that with age he is improving and he is stronger." added the trainer.

Kasbah Bliss is 3/1 second favourite with Sky Bet for the World Hurdle.

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