Fair Double Dream Still Alive

Philip Hobbs appears increasingly keen on attempting an unprecedented Cheltenham Festival double with Fair Along.

The Somerset trainer is concerned about the ground at Prestbury Park ? currently riding soft, heavy in places ? which could affect the five-year-old's performance in the first of his targets, Tuesday's Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.

Fair Along, a best-priced 5-2 with Stan James and clear favourite, has impressed in three starts over fences so far, particularly with his flawless jumping.

However, should he survive unscathed from that, a rapid return to the smaller obstacles for the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle on Friday could be in the offing.

'The ground is going against him a bit,' reflected Hobbs.

'Although he beat My Way de Solzen on soft at Sandown, it's not ideal. He's a very tough horse and has not had a run for a while (December 29) but he's very well.

'The positive it that it is the first Chase of the meeting. He can make the running along the inside rail on ground that has not been used all year.

'However, I do hope it dries up as he doesn't really want very soft ground.'

Hobbs was able to look back fondly at last year's Festival, when Fair Along chased home Detroit City in the JCB Triumph Hurdle to complete a memorable one-two for the yard.

'There are four weeks to Aintree after Cheltenham this year so there is nothing to discourage us from running in the County Hurdle too, as long as he's OK,' he said.

'He has only got 10st 7lb, and if the form from last year's Triumph were to work out directly, he could have been second favourite for the Champion Hurdle!'

Fair Along is a general 10-1 shot for the County Hurdle, the final event of this year's meeting.

(C) PA Sport