Back In Focus team wait on weather

Howard Johnson will only give his exciting prospect Back In Focus another outing this season if conditions are suitable.

The County Durham trainer wants cut in the ground for the ex-Irish six-year-old and is convinced he made the right decision in not sending him to Cheltenham last week.

Back In Focus had been a leading fancy for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on Friday following his British debut success over Court In Motion at Haydock last month. The latter did not let the form down, finishing a highly-creditable third behind Bobs Worth.

“I was over the moon I didn’t run him as the ground would have been way too fast,” said Johnson.

“It was grand to see that other horse (Court In Motion) run so well though, so that’s good news.

“I’d love to give him one more run, perhaps at Liverpool or up at Ayr, but I’ll take his shoes off in the next month if it doesn’t rain.

“He’ll be a smashing novice chaser next year.”