Ian Williams is praying the ground dries up at Cheltenham
Ian Williams is praying the ground dries up ahead of Ballyalton's intended appearance at the Cheltenham Festival.
Last Updated: 27/02/14 12:10pm
The seven-year-old showed a high level of form in winning three of his first four starts over timber this season, but was a slightly disappointing fourth in ultra-testing conditions at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
Williams has given his stable star time to get over those exertions and the Alvechurch handler feels his charge is capable of making his presence felt at Prestbury Park if the ground is in his favour.
"The more the sun shines the better, and we'll work him later this week," Williams told At The Races.
"Sam Thomas came in and sat on him the other day for Channel 4 and absolutely loved him. He schooled like a dream.
"I just don't want it to be too wet. Good to soft ground would be fine, but it wouldn't want to be like it was on New Year's Day.
"He's such a good mover, he just can't cope with ground that heavy."