James Moffatt says he is feeling extremely positive about Highland Lodge's form ahead of his Becher Chase defence.
The 10-year-old will head to Aintree on December 3 looking to become the first horse to win the Grade 3 in successive years and Moffatt will be hoping a repeat win will help his charge's chances of a run in the 2017 Grand National.
Highland Lodge missed out on a place in this year's National by a single pound in the weights and having been pulled up in the Scottish equivalent, has since been working hard at home in Cumbria.
Moffatt admits he has been pleased with the form shown by his charge and is confident he will be able to claim more Becher glory at Aintree.
“He is absolutely catching pigeons at home,” said the trainer. “He really is going well and we're really looking forward to that.
“You will hear a lot of trainers rattling on about how a horse is better this year than he was last year, but I can guarantee you that this horse is going better up our gallop now this year.
“You've always got to keep your fingers crossed with a race like the Becher Chase, you need a lot of luck, but the preparation has been perfect.”
