Warren Greatrex feels Shantou Bob could be suffering from a breathing problem after failing to run up to expectations at Warwick on Saturday.

After winning his first two starts over hurdles before being narrowly denied by Vyta Du Roc in Grade Two company at Sandown, Shantou Bob was an odds-on favourite for Saturday's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

However, the seven-year-old was under pressure some way from home and had to make do with minor honours in third.

Greatrex is sure his exciting youngster is better than he showed at the weekend.

He said: "There were reports that he bled from the nose before the race, but that was completely untrue. He wouldn't have been allowed to run if that was the case.

"There was a trace of blood in his nostril after the race, but after scoping him it's clear it hasn't come from his lungs and he has just burst a blood vessel in his nostril, which isn't anything serious.

"I haven't had chance to have him checked out yet, but I have a feeling that he may have a small wind issue.

"He only ran on Saturday, so we'll give him a few days to get over it and then get him looked at, but I just have it in the back of my mind there is a minor problem there.

"He was struggling a long way from home on Saturday, which just isn't him. He's a horse who should travel well in his races.

"His jumping wasn't as good as it can be either, which gives me the impression that maybe he was thinking about something else.

"He did a similar thing at Sandown the time before - hitting a flat spot before running on. I put a tongue-tie on him that day, which was more precautionary than anything, but maybe his wind has got worse since.

"It's a weird thing to say, but it's almost a good thing, as we know that wasn't his running on Saturday and hopefully it's something we can put right.

"It's not as though he ran terribly, but I do think he's better than he showed on Saturday."

Another horse for the stable who disappointed on Saturday was Warrantor.

The six-year-old was a leading fancy for the ultra-competitive Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton after victories at Chepstow and Market Rasen, but came home a well-beaten seventh as market rival Tea For Two sauntered to success.

Greatrex said: "Aidan (Coleman) said he wasn't really travelling after a circuit. I know it was a big step up in class, but I know he's better than that.

"Whether it's a case of him suffering the January blues, running on really bad ground having been on the go for a while - maybe that's the case.

"He seems good and bright since the race, but we'll get him fully checked out.

"He might not have beaten the winner in any case, but I'm adamant he didn't give his running and he ought to have been more competitive than he was.

"He underperformed in a better race and the two don't go together, unfortunately."

The trainer is hoping both horses will return to form in the spring, adding: "They'll both be given Cheltenham entries as I think they deserve them."