Trainer Henry Oliver believes Keel Haul is still on the upgrade as he bids to secure his second Cheltenham victory in the space of a month in Saturday's Unicoin Group Handicap Chase.
Trainer Henry Oliver believes Keel Haul is still on the upgrade as he bids to secure his second Cheltenham victory in the space of a month in Saturday's Unicoin Group Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old failed to fire on his seasonal reappearance at Stratford in late October, but the run was clearly not lost on him as he raised his game significantly to run out a game winner at Cheltenham's Open meeting just a fortnight later.
A 5lb hike makes lifer tougher, but Oliver is confident his charge will prove up to the task on his return to Prestbury Park.
He said: " He has come out of the last meeting in great order and is fresh, which is a big positive for him.
"He should have every chance again at the weekend. The ground was only just right for him the last day and any more rain they get will improve his chance - he appreciates plenty of cut.
"He is up to a career-high mark (131) now, but I think there is more improvement there and he is still at the right end of the handicap.
"He is not a big horse and keeping a light weight on his back is important."
Going Concern was beaten three and a half lengths into fourth by Keel Haul last month and Evan Williams is expecting another bold show.
"He ran a good race there last time, in fact he's run well there twice this season, so we thought we'd take him back," said the Vale of Glamorgan-based trainer.
"He has a nice racing weight and I don't think the softer ground will bother him. It might actually play to his strengths as he does see out the trip well and that might just give him an advantage on the softer ground, so we'll see."
The John Spearing-trained Pearls Legend has finished in the first three on 13 of his 16 starts over fences to date, most recently finishing third at Newbury's Hennessy meeting.
However, he has managed to get in head in front twice over the larger obstacles and Spearing feels he is a victim of his own consistency.
He said: "Hopefully he'll run well. He usually runs his race.
"Any more rain wouldn't bother us, he's oblivious to the ground, to be honest, it makes no difference to him.
"He should run well, but I think we could probably do with the handicapper being a bit kinder to him."
Next Sensation won the Grand Annual over this course and distance at the Festival in March, but has failed to rediscover that form in three starts so far this season.
Trainer Michael Scudamore said: " He seems in good form and perhaps coming back to two miles will help him. Two-and-a-half has probably just been stretching him a little bit.
"He's well in enough in himself, but the ground will probably be softer than ideal.
"His work at home is as good as ever and he's still showing the same zest and enthusiasm. I think the ground has probably just been a bit too soft for him so far this season and we know he's at his best on spring ground."
Donald McCain is under no illusions about the task facing Desert Cry, who is lumbered with top-weight of 11st 12lb on his first start since running at Navan in March.
"It's a very tough ask for him as the handicapper hasn't missed him for a long time and he's not getting any younger," said McCain.
"He's in good nick and we have to start somewhere, but it will be difficult for him and I'm sure he'll benefit from the run."