Late decision for Albertas

A decision on whether Albertas Run defends his Ryanair Chase title will not be made until as late as possible.

Jonjo O'Neill's 10-year-old has had a disappointing season so far, having finished fourth behind Monet's Garden in the Old Roan Chase and suffering a terrible fall at Ascot.

On his only other start he was pulled up in the rearranged King George at Kempton but Mick Meagher, owner Trevor Hemmings' racing manager, is hoping a change in the weather will bring about some improvement.

"I'm not sure if he was over the fall really (when he ran in the King George)," said Meagher.

"We haven't made a decision about Cheltenham yet, we'll just wait and see what the ground will be like.

"He's always done well in the spring. He won the EBF Final at this time of year and obviously the Ryanair and at Liverpool, all his best form always seems to be in the spring.

"It was a great performance at Aintree last year, coming so close after he'd won at Cheltenham. He loves it there, good ground and the sun on his back, everything is right for him there."