Ferguson is seeking boost from Tinkler

The five-year-old, ridden by Malton-born Andrew Tinkler – who has enjoyed a successful association with Ferguson’s horses – features among 35 confirmations for the Grade One heat.

An impressive victor over subsequent Listed hurdles winner and Grade One-placed runner Easter Day on his racecourse bow last May, I’m Fraam Govan was only fifth as an odds-on favourite on his reappearance at Lingfield in January.

However, trainer George Baker felt the all-weather track was not quite to the gelding’s liking that day and retains plenty of faith in his Festival contender.

“His last run was very disappointing but hopefully it was just a blip,” said Baker who has been a significiant influence in Tinkler’s career. “They had been harrowing the track a bit deeper than they did that day for the jumpers for bumpers meetings and the surface was just a bit too quick for him.

“He just didn’t let himself down on the ground and I think it’s best to put a line through that and judge him on his first run at Worcester.

“He was a hard-held winner over Easter Day on that occasion and that form has worked out well.

“We did think about running him again after that last outing but after talking to (handicapper) Phil Smith, we decided not to as he seemed to think he was likely to get in without another run.

“The owner is attending and hopefully we can put a smile on his face.

“It’s a huge ask to win one of these championship event but it’s just lovely to be involved and hopefully he can run well.”