Tommy Barnes‏ @theboldtb

2018- Nov - A fine round of jumping from Minella Awards. #aintree

Minella Awards winner in E.B.F Final at Sandown

Harry Fry is confident Minella Awards is "ready to rock and roll" on his seasonal reappearance in Saturday's Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old was a beaten favourite on his first start for new connections at Plumpton at the beginning of the year, but raised his game to win the EBF Final at Sandown and a competitive handicap at the Punchestown Festival.

He makes his first appearance since late April in this weekend's £100,000 contest, but Fry does not expect his charge to beaten by a lack of fitness.

"He was very progressive in the spring, winning the EBF Final and a three-mile handicap at Punchestown. We've had this race in mind for him as it's a very valuable prize and he's going there ready to rock and roll," said the Seaborough-based trainer.

"He has form in soft ground. It's going to be very testing on Saturday, don't get me wrong, but he's only a six-year-old and hopefully there's more to come from him.

“Minella Awards won very well and we'll put him in the valuable handicaps over 2m 4f and three miles," added Harry Fry.

Minella Awards wins at Sandown

Minella Awards gives Harry Fry and Noel Fehily a Punchestown double | At The Races