Kingscliff Works At Exeter

Kingscliff is firmly on course for next week's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after pleasing trainer Robert Alner in a gallop after racing at Exeter.

Robert Walford was aboard the leading Cheltenham fancy as he worked with Royal & SunAlliance Chase hopeful The Listener, Mort de Rire and Cracking Dawn.

Although conditions were extremely testing after a full seven-race card on heavy ground, the quartet went a decent gallop and left Alner with a contented smile after checking over his team.

'None of them seemed to mind the ground and I am pleased with that ? they needed a good spin,' he said.

'The Listener seemed to jump well and that was the important thing with him.

'When he came down at Lingfield last time I think the ground had a lot to do with it.

'He hadn't touched a twig up until that point and, if anything, it was just overconfidence that saw him make the mistake.

'He needed some rain and I am pleased we have had some. We don't really know what the going will be like at Cheltenham ? it could still be anything.

'Kingscliff handles anything apart from the extremes and he wouldn't mind this drop of rain either.

'It's good for Robert to get this under his belt too.'

? PA Sport