Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle (22nd November, Haydock, 14:25)

There has already been one withdrawal in the `Fixed Brush` Handicap Hurdle this afternoon (14:25) with Henry Daly`s Kingsmere removed from the three mile spectacular. At the time of writing, the lightly-raced Volnay De Thaix tops the betting with 888sport, Betvictor and Skybet all offering 9/2 on a win for the Nicky Henderson entry.

It will be the second appearance this season for the four-time winner who scooped first place in a two and a half mile class two at Huntingdon last time out. The Geraghty-ridden gelding justified favouritism to capture the win in Cambridgeshire, beating nearest rival Conquisto by over three lengths.

His inclusion at Haydock this afternoon is a further step up in distance with all his wins coming at either 16 or 20 furlongs. Connections, however, be confident following his initial outing as well as the condition of the ground, as his Huntingdon win also came on soft. Still top weight, Volnay De Thaix carries a couple of pounds more today.

David Pipe and Tom Scudamore will hoping to secure their second race win in as many years after teaming up to see Gevrey Chambertain secure the title in 2013. It`s a race that Pipe has dominated in the past five years, also earning the glory in 2010 and 2011. This year Scudamore rides Katkeau for Pipe who is two-handed with Vieux Lion Rouge.

A five-year-old Katkeau was a `Fixed Brush` entrant back in 2012 and finished seventh after a mistake when going well three from home. He`s now a distance winner having finished first on his only 2014 appearance at Cheltenham this month. This Gloucestershire victory was Katkeau`s debut in the winner`s enclosure and the 15/2 shot (Numerous) will be looking to frank the form over second-placed Big Easy (9/1 - Numerous) today.

Pipe`s second-string Vieux Lion Rouge came third in Chepstow`s Silver Trophy over two and a half miles last time out and will be suited by the cut in the ground. Stamina may be a doubt, however, having failed to recorded a win over 17 furlongs despite three runs out at a lengthier distance. The five year old is 12/1 with a number of bookmakers.

Also at 12/1 is Abusson who was second in the Silver Trophy and seems a better bet to land the Haydock title this afternoon. Long-time companion Lizzie Kelly claims seven pounds on her ride with the horse in good form having failed to have finished outside of the top three on his last four appearances on testing surfaces. Prior to finishing only three quarters of a length behind Shelford at Chepstow, Abusson recorded a first place in a class three at Cheltenham beating the likes of Ballyalton who came runner-up to Faugheen at the Festival last time out. Both Abusson`s assured performances came on soft ground.

Winner of the 2012 renewal Trustan Times is back for Tim Easterby despite being eighth past the post when defending his crown last year. The eight year old has failed to finish first on his last nine outings though potential backers will be boosted by some confident performances over longer distances.

The race that sticks out is the Scottish Grand National of this year in which he finished third, losing out by a little over a length and a half. He was also one of four runners involved a nail-biting finish at the Cheltenham Festival`s Pertemps Network Final. Trustan Times end up in fourth position though only lost out by a length. This long-time bridesmaid is 20/1 with a number of bookmakers to get back to winning ways.

Also worth considering in the 16-strong field are Jonjo O`Neill`s Upswing (11/1 - Numerous) and experienced three miler Oscar Rock (49/4 - Betbright).

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22/11/2014     © Frixo 2024