Brungle Cry emerged as the country's best young hurdler last year and trainer Robert Smerdon predicts the gelding could go to another level this time around.

Last year's Grand National Hurdle winner returns to the jumps for the first time this season at Sandown on Wednesday, having given a good indication two weeks ago of the type of form he's in with a dominant victory in a 2400m flat race in town.

"He's improved," Smerdon said.

"That's the natural progression that most seem to take after their first season (of jumping).

"No matter how good they seem to go in their first season, they always seem to go better in their second season. You would have to think he would have improved a bit."

Smerdon has had his share of high-profile jumpers including champion seven-year-old Black And Bent who has won a record-equalling nine times in a row over obstacles.

Five-year-old Brungle Cry is rated as "high class" by the trainer, and after his recent Sandown flat win the trainer said it was young horses like him that were the future of the jumping game.

"He stays well, his jumping has improved and he loves soft ground. He ticks all the boxes," Smerdon said.

"Steve Pateman has ridden a lot of good horses and he rates him highly."

An early scratching leaves Brungle Cry as one of six likely runners for the @mrctracknews Hurdle (3300m) which includes the Darren Weir-trained Gotta Take Care.

The winner of the Yalumba Classic Hurdle (3600m) at Oakbank on April 1, Gotta Take Care won over 3000m on the flat at Moonee Valley the start prior.

Smerdon believes it's set to be an interesting season with some promising jumpers on the scene.

"It's only a small field (on Wednesday) but there's a bit of depth there," Smerdon said.

"It's a nice kick-off for him (Brungle Cry) and then he'll go to the Galleywood at Warrnambool. The ultimate aim will be the Grand National Hurdle again."