FIXED INTEREST was set an unenviable task in the Jewson Builders' Merchants Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday.

The five-year-old took on horses from top stables such as Philip Hobbs' Presenting Copper, Paul Nicholls' Pertinent and Jonjo O'Neill's Theatrical Moment.

And despite setting the pace in the early stages finished 33 lengths adrift of the former, who won the race under an excellent ride by Richard Johnson.

The bay gelding was only the second horse that Bob Buckler has sent to post since the end of September when Smoke Trail disappointed at Lingfield.

The Melplash trainer does however have a potentially heavy schedule ahead of him in the next few days.

Today he could take three of his charges to Ludlow. Freedom Frix may go to post for the third time in his career in the Xmas Parties at Ludlow Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race (5.20pm).

He has yet to set the world alight in his opening two efforts and may find the going tough against previous winners Hold Em and The Hairy Mutt, who are bidding to overcome their penalties.

Orlyheart is an interesting runner in the Shropshire Handicap Hurdle (3.50).

The four-year-old, who has done most of his racing in France, ran once for Buckler last season in a decent handicap hurdle in bottomless ground at Exeter.

And although he disappointed against some good opposition his trainer will be hoping a drop in class and a firmer surface will be to his liking if he takes on treble-seeking Herecomestanley today.

The final horse in the trio is 10-year-old He's The Boss, who if conditions suit will go in the Racing UK For £9.99 Per Month Beginners' Chase (4.50pm).

Four years ago, following the gelding's debut victory over hurdles at Ascot, Buckler described him as probably the most exciting horse' he had ever trained and said that he was dreaming of running him in the Royal Sun Alliance at Cheltenham.

Unfortunately since the end of that season, in which he finished third behind 166-rated Inglis Drever in a Group 2 novice hurdle at Warwick, He's The Boss has been plagued by injuries and run just four times.

In his preview of the season Buckler said: "He's The Boss had a bad year last year but touch wood he seems very, very well and if he can regain some of his form he is quite well handicapped now."

He's The Boss is also entered in handicap chases at Hereford and Exeter on Sunday and Tuesday.

Entered in the first Cheltenham meeting of the new season on Friday are So Wise So Young, Smoke Trail and Taipan's Promise.

On Saturday Crank Hill and Campden Annie may head to the Gloucestershire course before Sunday sees the latter four plus the promising Mossville entered at Hereford and Kempton.