Soft ground won’t be a problem for the in-form Betterforeveryone at Cheltenham

April 15

Grand National week started well for Barbury with Loughville, home-bred by the Glebe Farm Stud, relishing the testing ground when winning at Bath. Three seconds followed, which included a fine run from Helnwein, who clinched his place in the field for the novice hurdle championship final at Sandown on Saturday week when finishing in the frame at Taunton.

Off The Jury (Market Rasen) and Crystal Moon (Plumpton) both performed creditably in finishing third, so we are not short on optimism as we approach the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr at the end of the week.

Beforehand. however, One Cool Dreamer has his first run since being gelded at Kempton this evening, and then Alan is looking forward to Cheltenham’s two-day fixture, with Betterforeveryone and Harbour Lake both heading for Prestbury Park on Wednesday.

With underfoot conditions remaining on the soft side, Rupert Anton’s Betterforeveryone will encounter a real stamina test in the three and a half mile handicap chase, but his form has improved since Alan put the visor on, so, while he now races off a 7lb higher mark, there is every reason to be hopeful.

Alan said:”Betterforeveryone was impressive when winning at Doncaster last time, He is really getting his act together now and that was the best round of jumping that he has put in.”

Harbour Lake was pulled up on his chasing debut at Aintree. He was also then disappointing at Hereford, and he looks much happier back over hurdles.

Alan added:”He seemed pleased with the switch when staying on well to finish fifth at Kempton last month, shaping as if this step up to three miles might suit him,”