PUNJABI could step up in trip for his next run after putting in his best work at the finish in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last week.

Connections have not lost faith in the 2009 Champion Hurdle hero, who has been highly tried in three runs since returning from a 33- month absence in December.

Punjabi has yet to trouble the judge but he has not shirked the issue when contesting the Christmas Hurdle, the Betfair Hurdle and the County.

Dropped a further 5lb to a rating of 135 from a career high of 166, the 10-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, may now try his luck in the John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle at Aintree on April 5.

‘‘Straight after the race at Cheltenham Nicky (Henderson) was talking about running him in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle on the Friday of Aintree,’’ said Tony Stafford, racing manager to owner Raymond Tooth.

‘‘He got a bit outpaced but was staying on and he probably needs further these days.

‘‘He couldn’t have had three tougher races. Some of his speed may be missing now but he certainly hasn’t lost his enthusiasm or the will to win and the handicapper has given him a chance.

‘‘He was staying on well and beat more than beat him in the County. His old adversaries Solwhit and Celestial Halo showed they were still up to it last week (first and second in the World Hurdle.’’