Williams Targets Skybet.Com Rowland Meyrick With Improving Rosses Point

Glamorgan handler Evan Williams, who landed the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup with State Of Play last month, is hoping to bag another big prize over the festive period with Rosses Point in the feature Grade Three #50,000 skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on St Stephen's Day, Tuesday, December 26.

The progressive seven-year-old is among a tremendous 21-strong entry for the three mile and one furlong contest, and comes into the race in top form having won his last three starts, culminating in a facile success at Ludlow on December 7 over a similar trip.

Williams revealed today: 'Rosses Point is almost certain to head to Wetherby for the skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Chase. If he's in the handicap and works well on Thursday morning, then he will take his chance.

'He has been very progressive this year and has really improved for the summer break. He's won beautifully the last twice, and is a young horse who is getting better with age, as his pedigree suggests he might.

'I'm happy with how he has come out of his last race - he seems very well. Although he's done his winning on good and good to soft ground, he's by Roselier, so softer going shouldn't be a problem.'

Despite Rosses Point's age and relative inexperience, his trainer is confident that he will prove up to the task under suitable conditions.

Williams continued: 'A flat, galloping track really suits him well, and Wetherby could be tailor-made for him. The way that he travels so strongly in his races is a huge advantage, and I think that the faster the race is run the better for him.

'Although his jumping frightens me to death at times, Paul [Moloney] who rides him says it looks worse from the ground than it does on top! He can jump very well, but can just be a little bit of a plonker sometimes.

'Saying that, Rosses Point's confidence is very high at the moment, and if he gets into the race off a feather weight, I'd be hopeful of him going up to Wetherby and giving a very good account of himself.'

Other entries for the skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase include Sir Rembrandt, twice placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Scottish Grand National winner Run For Paddy, Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup third Preacher Boy, 2004 skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Chase hero Truckers Tavern, the progressive King Killone and the Ferdy Murphy-trained Leading Man.

Ground conditions at Wetherby are currently soft, heavy in places, with dry weather forecast before St Stephen's Day.