Saturday 13 February 2016 10:54, UK
Ben Pauling has described Barters Hill as "bouncing" ahead of next month's Cheltenham Festival.
The doughty six-year-old maintained his unbeaten record in typically determined fashion in an Albert Bartlett trial last time out at Doncaster.
Off the bridle some way out, he found plenty for pressure to hold off Ballydine over three miles but a decision on his Cheltenham target is still not final.
"He came out of the race at Doncaster brilliantly, if not a little bit stiff," said Pauling.
"He schooled at Henrietta Knight's on Tuesday and he came out of that as if he had a good workout. He came out of that bouncing.
"It was not the ideal prep race for him at Doncaster but he is still unbeaten and going forward I'm very happy with him.
"It's very exciting having a favourite at Cheltenham and it's not something I expected so early in my career.
"There is an element of pressure but Barters Hill just gets the job done which gives me confidence."
Barters Hill is a 5/2 chance for the Albert Bartlett with Sky Bet.
