Al Ferof will run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham next Saturday after a satisfying workout on Sunday morning.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has given the seven-year-old grey the go-ahead and is expecting him to run well.

He told his Betfair column: "Daryl (Jacob) rode him in a two-mile gallop with Doeslessthanme, The Knoxs, and Ted Spread this morning, and that confirmed to me that he is ready to run next weekend."

Nicholls went on: "He came in late because he cut himself in the field in the summer, but he has come together beautifully in the last fortnight and today's gallop confirmed that.

"He has got plenty of weight (11st 8lb), but he probably deserves it and he goes well when fresh."

Nicholls also said the remarkable staying hurdler Big Buck's, who has won the last four renewals of the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, will work before racing at Exeter on Wednesday.

Trainer Nick Williams has yet to make a firm decision on whether For Non Stop will take his chance in the Paddy Power.

The seven-year-old is a best-priced 10-1 following a brilliant display in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on his seasonal reappearance, but an 11lb hike means only Poquelin is above him in the weights.

The Devon handler said: "I don't know whether he runs or not yet. I am very happy with the horse. It is just a question of whether the owner wants to run or not. It doesn't look an exceptional race.

"I don't know if Poquelin runs or not, but it would be good if he did. It would mean we wouldn't be top weight and we would carry a pound less. If our horse runs, Noel (Fehily) will ride him."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests