Alfa Beat© Photo Healy Racing
John 'Shark' Hanlon is hoping Alfa Beat will handle the testing conditions in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse today.
Hanlon is aiming his Kerry National hero at the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree and plans to give him one more race at Down Royal on March 17th before then.
"He's in great form but I'm just very much afraid of the ground. He's a much better horse on good ground and it's heavy," said Hanlon.
"I'm looking to running him in the Grand National as he should get the ground he likes.
"Even in the Kerry National that he won the ground wouldn't have been quick enough for him.
"At Fairyhouse I think it will be heavier than it was Listowel that day.
"I'm just hoping for a good run on Saturday and he'll go to Down Royal in three weeks' time and that will leave him spot on for the English National.
"All I want on Saturday is a good run out of him then I'll be happy.
"If he does handle the ground he's the one they will all have to beat as he's well in at the weights. He comes out well on top on the ratings.
"I hope he'll still run a big race. I just fear the ground, that's all I'm afraid of."
Of his trio in the race, Dessie Hughes is worried Rare Bob will be unsuited by the ground but the Grand National is his main objective as well.
"Rare Bob won't like the ground at all. It's heavy over there, but he needs to run if he's going to run in the National," said the County Kildare trainer. Black Apalachi makes his comeback since finishing second to Don't Push It in the 2010 National.
"We are just starting Black Apalachi off after his long lay-off. We'll just have to see how he gets on. He's pretty fit," Hughes went on.
The trainer named Magnanimity as the pick of his three runners as long as he can get his jumping together after ruining his chance with two mistakes in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown two weeks ago.
"Magnanimity is probably the best of mine," Hughes added.
"He'll have to improve on his jumping from the last day, but he normally jumps well and I'm sure he'll do better."
Magnanimity is owned by the Gigginstown House Stud, whose colours will also be carried by the Gordon Elliott-trained Roi Du Mee
"He's in good nick and he runs well fresh, so hopefully he'll run a nice race," said Elliott.
