DARYL Jacob thinks The Listener is better than ever as the Dorset-trained grey prepares for the biggest test of his racing life in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 23-year-old Irish jockey has already forged a successful partnership with Robert Alner's horse landing the Grade One Lexus Chase in Ireland over Christmas and then being pipped on the run-in when going for an encore at Leopardstown in an even quicker time last month.

Jacob, who is enjoying his finest ever season with 37 winners to date, said: "I schooled him this week and was very happy with him - he jumped beautifully and he looks a picture. I even think he has come on for his last run and is improving all the time.

"He has grown in confidence and for that I must thank assistant trainer Nick Mitchell who rides the horse in his work every day and especially Andrew Thornton who did a fantastic job after The Listener fell in his final two races last season."

The downside, however, for the Roselier gelding is the drying ground at Cheltenham which could be good to soft for the showpiece race. A week ago heavy going was forecast.

Jacob said: "He loves it when the mud is flying as it was in Ireland and the fact that conditions will be faster is a disadvantage. It is expected to be good to soft which he will get away with.

"He will be happier not having to make a long journey either. Travelling takes a lot out of them and you can't beat being in your own box at home the night before a race."

After adopting front-running tactics at Leopardstown, Alner reckons Jacob can ride a more patient race. "There will be others keen enough to make the running, so we won't have to. He is the sort of horse you can place anywhere in a race and he will be quite content to sit in behind the leaders," said Alner, who is based at Droop near Hazelbury Bryan.

Although Jacob has the highest regard for ante-post favourite Kauto Star - trained by Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat near Shepton Mallet - the horse he really fears is Exotic Dancer.

"I think he is the one to beat. He has been a revelation this season - he has pace, he jumps and stays and he loves Cheltenham," said Jacob of Jonjo O'Neill's runner.