Trainer Donald McCain hopes Weird Al can yield an even better result than his third-placed finish in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last season.

The nine-year-old appears to run his best races after a break, as he showed when winning last year's Charlie Hall, a race he missed this season.

"We didn't feel he was quite ready to go to the Charlie Hall so we went straight to the Betfair," said McCain.

"He ran a nice race in it last year on his second run back. He probably wasn't as sharp as he was, so we've concentrated on going there fresh this time.

"He seems in great nick at the moment and after this I don't quite know where we'll go, but we'll probably aim him more at Aintree as a Grand National horse than at the Gold Cup."

Cannington Brook has a mountain to climb on official ratings, but is two from two at Haydock and loves heavy ground.

Trainer Colin Tizzard said: "He is 30lb wrong with the others but he loves heavy ground and is unbeaten around Haydock.

"I hope there is a bit more improvement to come from him as he needs to improve 20lb to place on Saturday, but the ground will help 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