PNicholls

I see that Timeform rate Al Ferof's third in the Victor Chandler at Ascot as the best performance by a novice chaser this season - and I couldn't agree more.

I gather they now rate Al Ferof on 161 and that is 3lb ahead of Grands Crus' Feltham win (which was 158p).

Although he jumped a bit novicey on occasions, I was delighted with his fencing in the main.

He wasn't foot perfect, but that is exactly why I ran him in the race. Namely, for the experience in a strongly run, high class race that he is very likely to get in the Arkle - and Saturday's race will clearly stand him in very good stead.

I know we always say it at this time of the year but this season's race - with Sprinter Sacre, Peddlers Cross and Cue Card to name but three - really looks a hot renewal. I am under no illusions about that, and that Al Ferof will probably need more than 2m in the future.

But, in summary, I was thrilled with the run - he is fine, along with our other winners Celestial Halo and Violin Davis - and now it is all systems go for the Arkle.

He won't run before then and my aim now is to get him ready and at his best for Cheltenham and that is exactly what I will do. As we have seen with him in the past, most obviously when finishing second in the Festival bumper and when winning the Supreme, he is at his best in the Spring too.

So I wouldn't rule out further improvement in six weeks' time.

And Timeform also make another interesting point. Now, this year's race will probably take much more winning, but they rate Al Ferof's Ascot third 2lb higher than Captain Chris' winning Arkle performance last year.

So my eyes are set on Cheltenham in March.

But Ruby is looking further ahead, it seems - in more ways than one.

I can tell you that Ruby was thrilled with Saturday as an Arkle trial.

But he also turned round to John Hales and said "what a ride he'd be in the King George next season."

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