KIM BAILEY issued an upbeat bulletin on the condition of his 1995 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Master Oats yesterday.

The 10-year-old looked to be destined for a lengthy reign as the leading staying chaser in Britain when landing the festival highlight by IS lengths 19 months ago. However, he failed to add to his tally in three starts last season.

The gelding injured a leg when second to Imperial Call, who went on to take the Gold Cup in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on his final start last term and fears were that he would never race again.

However, having undergone tests over the last fortnight, Master Oats was reported by Bailey to be back in roadwork.

"He has got his shoes back on and is walking at the moment," said Bailey. "He will be on the road for the next six weeks. There is a long way back and if I am not happy with him, he won't run again this season."

. Lammtarra's half-brother Haltarra was yesterday afternoon given his big chance when he was added to the field for the Dewhurst Stakes next Friday. Recent 2,000 Guineas gamble Kahal was the other horse put in the Group One seven-furlong Newmarket contest yesterday at a cost of £12,000.

Unlike his famous half-brother who was retired undefeated after four outings last year, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Haltarra has yet to strike winning form. He has been beaten around half a length in a maiden at York and a conditions event at Newbury