Powell Hoping For Dry Spell

Brendan Powell hopes the rain stays away from Cheltenham ahead of Palace Walk´s crack at the Grade Two ConcordatJet.com Juvenile Novices´ Hurdle on Saturday.

The three-year-old gelding is set to take his chance in the extended two-mile contest on the back of victories at Wincanton and Ludlow.

Although the Morestead trainer is hopeful of a bold showing, Powell is concerned the ground at Prestbury Park may go against him.

He said: 'He´s in good form and doesn´t get any penalties which is a help, although now that a few of the better ones are running he might be up against it.

'He´s only won two ordinary races but he won them well. He´s very fit and very well and hopefully he´ll run a nice race.

'My main worry at Cheltenham is the ground could turn too soft for him, as I think he´s a better horse on fast ground, but we´ll go there and give it a shot.'

Powell revealed Palace Walk, who will be ridden by Timmy Murphy, is likely to be put away until next year following his exertions at Cheltenham.

'I´ve nothing really in mind for him after this race and I´ll probably give him a winter break and bring him back in the spring,' he added.

Powell is also set to run the unbeaten Tokala in the #15,000-added Festival of Food Bumper on Sunday - a race won by Best Mate and Back In Front in the past.

(C) PA Sport