Horse racing: Chance names Pearl as serious trouble

Trainer Noel Chance reports Looks Like Trouble to be in ‘‘excellent’’ condition after his racecourse gallop at Kempton.

The 10-year-old continued his preparations for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with a two-mile spin after racing along with stablemate No Collusion.

Chance said: ‘‘He’s excellent, there are no problems at all. Onwards and upwards now.

‘‘It’s just fingers crossed for two and a half weeks time. I wish it was this Thursday because a lot can happen in two weeks but everything is 100% at the moment.’’

Chance believes that Florida Pearl could again be the one that Looks Like Trouble has to beat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

Looks Like Trouble had beaten Florida Pearl five lengths into second when winning the Gold Cup in 2000.

‘‘There is one horse that I’m afraid of - Florida Pearl,’’ said Chance. ‘‘I don’t care what anybody says, he’s 20-1 and everyone says he didn’t stay, but without Looks Like Trouble last time he would have been some winner.

‘‘He bounded up that hill and if he jumps a clear round he’s going to be a danger again this year.’’