Our gallops reporter has the latest from Philip Hobbs' base in the West Country, where Garde La Victoire was among those put through their paces.
GALA BALL looked sprightly in his stretch on the steep woodchip facility at Sandhill, working ahead of a possible visit to Newbury.
The gelding was a fortuitous scorer at Exeter when taking advantage of the late exit of Charmix, and the form has subsequently been devalued.
But he appears to have gained a confidence edge for the victory, his first over fences.
GARDE LA VICTOIRE is back in full work after missing out on two high-profile races when throwing bad scopes.
The talented dual-purpose performer has a choice of targets at Cheltenham, with a target still to be firmed up.
KEEP MOVING swerved bad ground at Ffos Las but the mare should soon return in a handicap chase taking on male rivals.
She's been going well enough to suggest she can pick up a race soon.
HELLO GEORGE is among a number of lesser lights that worked ahead of races before the Festival.
He recently came off the injury list, and the way he is going suggests he will improve.
PERSIAN SNOW is the type to do well now his attention has been turned to the hunter chase division.
He was most impressive at Ludlow, jumping like a stag, and can win again when returning to that venue ahead of the Aintree Fox Hunters.
