Rival D'Estruval is bang on course for the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham next month following a midwinter break.

The Raymond Green-owned eight-year-old won two of his three starts in the first half of the season and was second to Bold Sir Brian in the other before being given a holiday. The Pauline Robson-trained gelding is now being prepared for the amateur riders' four-miler at the Festival.

"He's on track for the four-mile John Oaksey race at Cheltenham so fingers crossed he stays in one piece and we get there," said Robson's assistant, David Parker.

"He goes really well fresh. We purposely gave him a break for this race."

The Robson team are excited about their French import Upsilon Bleu, but have decided not to pitch him in at the deep end at Cheltenham where he held a couple of entries.

"He's fine but he won't be going to Cheltenham. He's settling in fine and just finding his feet," said Parker.

"He'll run in the spring at some stage but we're not quite sure when. He'll run over fences as he's a novice for the rest of the season.

"He's an exciting horse and we're looking forward to him. He's got plenty of form over two miles and I think he'll get two and a half."

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