CHARLIE BROOKS was bubbling after Couldnt Be Better confirmed himself right on course for next week's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup after a post race workout at Newbury yesterday.

Last year's Hennessy Gold Cup winner, partnered by his regular big race jockey Graham Bradley and Sound Reveille (Dean Gallagher) took part in a one and a half mile spin which left the trainer full of optimism. "They worked fine and did a proper gallop," said Brooks.

Couldnt Be Better, currently a best priced 16-1 for the Festival showpiece, returned from his winter holiday in Pisa, Italy, two weeks ago.

Brooks said: "Looking at the other horses out there, unless my eyes deceive me. his coat looked totally different. He's very well. He's about five kilos above his racing weight and after this and a couple of pipe openers he should be right on the day."