Gallops Report

Our Gallops Reporter has been to the West Country to get the latest from the yard of Philip Hobbs

Gallops report for Saturday, March 28. With news from the West Country. Includes Balthazar King, Cheltenian and others.

Several horses with Aintree on their agenda worked on Philip Hobbs' impressive network of all-weathers on Saturday morning, including leading Crabbie's Grand National candidate BALTHAZAR KING.

The cross-country specialist is popping his corks ahead of his return to Merseyside in a fortnight's time and Hobbs has ensured the gelding is as fresh as paint for an attempt to go one better than last year in racing's greatest single spectacle.

CHELTENIAN ran well to be competitive at Cheltenham and has taken those County Hurdle exertions in his stride.

He is a regular competitor at the big Festivals and is producing encouraging work in customary fashion.

STERNRUBIN is amongst the Hobbs team heading for Ascot on Sunday as he contests the juvenile handicap hurdle.

In the silks of Rooster Booster, this fellow looks worth following on the better ground through the spring.

He traversed the woodchip strip a couple of times and seems in very good order.

ROYAL REGATTA breezed impressively in a blow-out ahead of the novices' handicap chase at the Berkshire venue.

He looks in the mood to regain winning ways.

ROALCO DE FARGES engaged in similar work ahead of the veterans' handicap chase.

Such races have been his domain on the rare appearances he's made this season but he seems in good order and worked well.

QUICK DECISSON was another to go through his lower to middle paces in eyecatching style.