Roberts hopes Legend is born

Craig Roberts is hoping Irish Legend can prove just that when he lines-up for The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday.

The in-form eight-year-old has been set his stiffest test to date as he seeks a hat-trick after wins at Bangor and in Chepstow’s Silver Trophy over two and a half miles on his only two starts so far this season.

“He’s in the best form ever,” said the Gwent trainer.

“He’s had a bit of a break since Chepstow and he’s really bouncing at home. He battled all the way to the line to win there.

“He’s dropping back in trip but hopefully the ground will be soft, they’ll go a good gallop and we’ll tag along behind them.

“We had a few teething problems with him but we’ve ironed them out and he’s in great form this year.

“I think he’s improved and he’s in there with an each-way shout hopefully.”

Roberts has Tom O’Brien, successful on the son of Sadler’s Wells at Bangor in September, in mind for the ride with Jack Doyle, who has also won on the horse, as second choice.

Irish Legend is 33-1 with the sponsors to scoop the valuable handicap hurdle.