Evan Williams will being doing a rain-dance approaching March as he looks on to Cheltenham with his Rucker-owned pair.
Williams has only entered the festival winning enclosure twice, but should the heavens open then that record may improve.
Juby Ball looks set to line up in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase. The bumper winner had some smart form over hurdles last season finishing unbeaten in both. He beat the subsequent Reynoldstown winner Lud’or on debut, before winning at Chepstow under a penalty by six lengths.
A neck winner on chase debut, Juby Ball bounced back from two defeats last time to bolt up at Chepstow. The 18-length win saw him shoot up 8lbs in the handicap after recording an RPR of 140.
Speaking to the Press Association via Racing TV, Williams said: “He’s got the entry in the Jack Richards and ground would be important to him. We had to enter him because everything else looked ideal really, the trip and a novice handicap.
“There are no firm plans, I couldn’t say he’s definitely going there. If the rain came and we thought it’s the right thing to do then it’s something we’d definitely look at.
“We had to enter as it looks the type of race he had to be in. I’m not saying we will go, but I’m certainly not ruling anything out either.
“I loved his last run and I think he’s a nice horse.”
Liberty Hunter to avenge Champion Chase blunder
Connections also have Libberty Hunter to take back to March, who’s already shown strong festival form.
Libberty Hunter was a two-length second to the well-handicapped Unexpected Party in the 2024 Grand Annual. After placed efforts in graded company, he warranted his chance in last years Champion Chase. He travelled strongly into contention and was four lengths down three out, prior to falling.
“It’s been so difficult with him since the Queen Mother last year” said Williams.
“His run in the Tingle Creek was just to try and get his confidence back, and the same at Newbury. He will run at the festival provided it’s not too dry. He’s in the Queen Mother if that cuts.
“He’s also in the Grand Annual and the Plate. It depends how they all look.”
Evan Williams has just six horses entered at the festival this season including his Haydock Grand National Trial third Neo King, but his best chances will come in the familiar blue colours of the Ruckers’ pair Juby Ball and Liberty Hunter provided the clouds generously part from above.