LEN LUNGO yesterday warned that leading Hamlet Cigars Gold Card Hurdle fancy Attadale is not a certain runner at Cheltenham today.

The trainer is happy with the gelding's fitness but is worried about the prospect of firmish ground.

"We blood-tested him this morning and he had a reasonable blood picture so we are happy to run him and he will travel down today," Lungo said.

"But he was injured on firm ground at Aintree last year and if it is fast tomorrow he will miss the race. We have got another race in mind for him in two or three weeks' time and we will sit back and wait for April showers.

"I'd have to warn anyone thinking of backing him tomorrow that if the forecast rain has not arrived when we walk the course tomorrow he will probably not run."

Attadale was quoted at 10 to 1 third favourite for the three-and-a-quarter-mile contest by William Hill yesterday morning, a position which mystified Lungo.

"I don't understand it as he has shown no proper form for over a year and he has not had a satisfactory preparation," the trainer said.

"We had to get two quick runs into him to get him into Cheltenham and he was ridden right to the line each time yet still finished in the middle.

"He is going there as a sport. His owners always go to Cheltenham and they love to have a runner but they would be delighted to finish in the first half anything else would be a bonus."