Wet weather today threw further doubt over the participation of Direct Route in Saturday`s Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown.
Trainer Howard Johnson has suffered more than most by the downpours throughout November.
With his gallops flooded he has faced a difficult task readying Direct Route for his seasonal debut.
Any hope of a respite from the elements was dashed as rain lashed the stables near Bishop Auckland again this afternoon.
'The wet weather just seems to go on and on and the water is running down the roads again today,' said Johnson`s wife Sue.
Direct Route was quoted as joint-favourite at 11-4 in Ladbrokes` betting for Saturday`s two-mile contest.
But Mrs Johnson said: 'We just can`t say at the moment whether Direct Route will be able to run.
'We just don`t know which way to turn. All the horses have been held up and some have had colds and other problems.
'If it stops raining we might have a chance with Direct Route but the waythings are going that isn`t going to happen.
'Direct Route is a horse who runs well fresh and if we`ve had an uninterrupted programme it wouldn`t have been a problem but there`s only so much we can do at the moment.
'The horse is fine and his fans will see him shortly. He might still run at Sandown even if it has to be in conditions that don`t suit him.'
Whatever happens at the weekend Direct Route is set to try his hand at three miles in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
'It wouldn`t be ideal but the way things are going there`s a possibility he might have to go to Kempton without a run,' said Mrs Johnson.
'The injury to Looks Like Trouble has nothing to do with our decision to go for the Kempton race.
'Our minds were made up that it was worth a try after Direct Route won over two and a half miles at Aintree last season.'
