Ground conditions crucial to plans for Paborus

Ed Bethell will choose between an option in France and another at Haydock for his progressive type Paborus.

The four-year-old has won four of his six career outings and oozed class on his return to action when beating Mount Athos, Array and subsequent Thirsk Hunt Cup winner Flight Plan on his return.

He will now step into Group company for his first run in the Wathnan Racing silks, having been bought in the interim.

Bethell, though, is hoping the current dry spell comes to an end to enable him to run.

“Ground is a big thing for Paborus,” said the trainer.

“He’s in the Prix du Palais-Royal at Longchamp and he’s also in the John of Gaunt on the 31st at Haydock and basically he’ll go wherever the ground is easiest.

“We’re due a lot of rain, supposedly, towards the end of this month, so the John of Gaunt could be the place for him.”