It could be next stop the Cheltenham Festival for Ballyalton with his trainer Ian Williams happy to draw a line under his New Year's Day outing at the course...
Owned by golfer Lee Westwood's father, John, Ballyalton, rated 138 by Timeform, suffered only his second career defeat when fourth to Aubusson in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at a drenched Prestbury Park.
The equivalent race in March, over two miles and five furlongs, would be one option for the gelding, as well as the Supreme and Albert Bartlett.
"We spent all week trying to avoid bad ground and he ended up running on the worst ground of all," said Williams.
"He didn't enjoy it, but he's come back sound.
"I'll have to catch up with John Westwood when he's back, but I think he's probably unlikely to run before Cheltenham. I'll talk to John before we decide exactly which way we go."

