BARTON READY FOR CHELTENHAM RUN Barton was today confirmed on course for the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.Tim Easterby`s charge was one of 19 horses entered today for the Grade One hurdle over an extended 21 furlongs.The eight-year-old suffered his first defeat over hurdles at the course last time when second to Geos in the Bula Hurdle in December but Easterby reported the gelding in fine form for his latest outing.He said today: 'Barton definitely runs.'He`s desperate for a run and he`s in good form. 'He`s been working well and everything should suit him.'Connections are still favouring the Smurfit Champion Hurdle over the Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle at this year`s Cheltenham Festival.Easterby added: 'We don`t definitely know where we run yet - whether we run in the Stayers` or whether we run in the Champion - but at the moment we are thinking of going for the Champion.'Barton is a 10-1 chance for the Champion Hurdle with Ladbrokes.
