Kayley Woollacott's Lalor is ready to get his Arkle claims back on track, with a trip to Doncaster for the Napoleons Casino & Restaurant Owlerton Sheffield Lightning Novices' Chase on Saturday.
Having made such an impressive start to life over fences at the Festival venue in an Arkle Trial, the 7yo could only manage an out-of-contention third in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase in soft conditions on his next start back in December.
However with Dynamite Dollars - trained by Paul Nicholls, following up his Grade One Sandown win by ending Kalashnikov's unbeaten chasing record over Christmas, and not too much being provided from Ireland, Lalor is still one of the market principles for the Grade One showpiece on Day One of the Festival, and remains a general 5/1 shot alongside those previously named.
Lalor could renew his rivalry with his Esher subduer, whilst other contenders could feature Alan King's Ballywood, Glen Forsa - also a winner over Christmas and trained by Mick Channon, along with Knocknanuss from Gary Moore's yard.
Kayley Woollacott had issued a statement on her stable star not too long ago, suggesting he may go straight to the Cheltenham Festival without another run, if the ground remains too quick.
(Credit: Sky Sports Racing) She had said: "Lalor is in really good form, he's done some lovely pieces of work recently.
"He's ticking along, looks great and has been squealing and bucking every day. We're really pleased with him at the moment.
It appears the rain has come in time for Woollacott and her team to continue with her plan of sending Lalor to the Lightning Novices' Chase at Doncaster as previously mentioned and hopefully he can get back to winning ways for his connections.