Donald McCain believes a fighting fit Weird Al is capable of making his presence felt in next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The former Ian Williams inmate made a sparkling debut for the Cheshire trainer in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and was best of the rest behind Kauto Star and Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock next time.
As Weird Al appears to be at his best when fresh, McCain has sensibly kept his charge at home since and he is confident that he can improve on that respectable Haydock performance.
He told At The Races: "I think he has a very solid each-way chance. His run in the Charlie Hall was eyecatching and he ran a nice race at Haydock without Timmy (Murphy) feeling he was as sharp as he was at Wetherby.
"He's a young, improving horse who likes Cheltenham. It's all about getting him there fit and well on the day, and we know after Wetherby that we can get him ready for one day. There is no reason he shouldn't run into the money.
"I knew how much Ian thought of him and I wasn't convinced myself until I trained him."
