Josh Moore is hopeful for sufficient rain ahead of Saturday's Howden Ascot Hurdle to allow Salver to kick off his season. The talented four-year-old impressed last season, winning four consecutive races, including a commanding 21-length victory in the Grade Two Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. Salver concluded his campaign with a strong third-place finish in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, behind Willie Mullins-trained Majborough and Kargese.
Salver thrives on softer ground, and Moore, who trains the gelding alongside his father Gary, is watching the forecast closely.
"He may run if there’s enough rain, and it looks like there might be, so we’ll probably declare and see what happens," said Moore. "He’s a good horse on soft or heavy ground. To show his best form, it needs to be wet."
Moore acknowledged the challenge of a four-year-old competing off a lofty rating of 143, emphasising the importance of finding the right conditions. If the ground remains too firm, Salver could be redirected to the Gerry Feilden at Newbury, although Moore believes the likely good-to-soft conditions there may not suit.
The Moores also hope to see six-year-old Le Patron return to action in the Copybet 1965 Chase, another Grade Two on Ascot's card. A standout last season with three wins, including the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase, Le Patron has struggled since, finishing unplaced at Sandown and being pulled up at Cheltenham.
"He’ll run if it’s soft enough," Moore explained. "We’re hoping for Saturday’s rain to make the ground right. He’s a soft-ground horse and is in better shape now than in the spring."
With both Salver and Le Patron needing ideal conditions to shine, the trainers are hoping the forecasted rain delivers.
"We've got to run them when the ground is right," Moore concluded.