Robert Alner's Master Medic can provide perfect tonic

Master Medic can give Robert Alner a major boost in the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.

A car accident in November 2007 left Alner disabled but a state-of-the-art mobile chair enables the trainer to maintain the key role at his yard in Dorset.

Alner said: "Mentally I've coped very well since the accident and my health is good. I've had a lot of support and I've been well looked after. It's just a case of getting on with it and I'm getting around."

Alner, who trained Cool Dawn to win the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup, has seen top horses like Miko De Beauchene, The Listener and Kingscliff leave since his accident.

So 'Team Alner' - wife Sally, daughter Louise and her partner Robert Walford, plus assistant Richard Young - are looking to the younger, up-and-coming element to spearhead their team.

Second-season chaser Master Medic, who was bought by American owner Jim Chromiak after watching a video of him running in a point-to-point, is fast becoming the stable's leading light.

The eight-year-old won his last three novice chases last season, but a huge 27lb hike in the weights since his first run in a handicap made life tougher last time at Ascot. He still managed a good second to Fix The Rib, a horse whom he'd beaten there previously.

Alner said: "Unless it buckets down with rain, we will run him at Huntingdon."