Emma Lavelle is hoping the weather takes a turn for the better soon as she is eager to run Claret Cloak in next month's Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

The six-year-old finished a creditable third behind subsequent Grade One-placed Raya Star in a Listed event at Ascot last November on what was only his sixth racecourse start.

However, the recent wet and cold weather has kept him off the track since and Lavelle is keeping her fingers crossed for a dry spell ahead of the February 9 feature.

She said: "He's fine and in good form, but he really needs some nice ground. The Betfair Hurdle has been the target and hopefully the weather will improve so he can run.

"I've given him a speculative entry in the Champion Hurdle, but he needs to run in a big handicap first to see if he is worth a chance there.

"We are just desperate to get him to the races so we can see where we go with him as he's a lovely horse.

"If we don't get a run, we might have to look at something like the County Hurdle at the Festival as he would be in there on an interesting mark."

Fox Appeal has suffered a minor problem and will also be held back for a spring campaign.

Last seen finishing a distant third behind Big Buck's in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in December, Fox Appeal jumped 10lb in the ratings after winning a Kempton handicap in November.

Lavelle said: "He just hurt himself jumping the last couple of hurdles at Newbury so we will aim to get him back for Aintree and Punchestown, too."

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