Alner Hoping For Cheltenham Gold

Robert Alner believes The Listener has every chance of giving him a second win in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival meeting.

Alner landed the biggest success of his training career when Cool Dawn bounded up the Cheltenham hill under Andrew Thornton in 1998 and he sees similar attributes in Lexus Chase winner The Listener.

The eight-year-old was a smart novice last year before a couple of falls held up his progress but he proved he is top class on his preferred ground when winning at Leopardstown.

Another trip to Ireland for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup is now on the agenda, a race in which he could clash with fellow Cheltenham hopefuls In Compliance and Beef Or Salmon.

'He's in good form, the ferry is booked, the hotel is booked but we would appreciate a bit more rain which seems strange to say as it always rains in Ireland ? it has just stopped a bit at the moment,' said Alner.

'As long as the ground is good to soft or softer then we will be fine.

'I would say he is (the real deal). He jumps, he has got the temperament but they have to be right on the day and an awful lot can happen to a racehorse.

'They have to be 100% on the day and get the luck in-running but he is well capable of being a Gold Cup horse,' Alner told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport