Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JACOB’S CRACKER
Another Mai day for Daryl & Bristol in Betfair
BRISTOL DE MAI has conditions made to suit in the Betfair Chase (3.00, ITV) at Haydock this afternoon.
A flat track with plenty of juice underfoot brings out the best in the Nigel Twistondavies (below) grey – as he showed when trouncing his opposition by 22 lengths in the Peter Marsh Chase over this course and distance last January.
Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase three weeks ago again presented the perfect test for Daryl Jacob’s mount (left), who made his return to the fray at the West Yorkshire venue. The six-year-old had to shoulder a 6lb penalty for his Peter Marsh win, but travelled strongly before fending off stablemate Blaklion by half a length. My selection’s task was made easier by the departure of today’s market rival Cue Card at the fifth fence from home.
The 11-year-old, on whom Harry Cobden replaces Paddy Brennan, seeks a fourth triumph in this race – missing Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sizing John due to the soggy terrain – but will struggle to cope with rising star Bristol De Mai.
FORMERLY known as the Fixed Brush Hurdle, today’s Betfair Stayers’ Hurdle (2.25 Haydock) is a contest with plenty of stats to play with.
Philip Hobbs’ Kruzhlinin bucked the age trend when winning as a nine-year-old 12 months ago but we’re treating that as a glitch.
Therefore, the criteria to finding this afternoon’s hero are:
■ Aged between five and seven.
■ No more than two runs this season.
■ Official rating between 132 and 143.
■ Carrying over 10st 10lb.
■ Won on a left-handed track.
That reduces the number of contenders to six — from which
Robbin’hannon is immediately removed on the back of a poor effort in a terrible race at Cheltenham last month.
Obviously some improve more than others, but last season Gayebury had the measure of The Worlds End, who subsequently beat No Hassle Hoff.
However, GAYEBURY is a far bigger price at 22-1 in places, having performed below par on his comeback at Wetherby.
Jockey Mitch Bastyan, who claims 5lb, is an excellent prospect and the pair are well worth a 2pts each-way punt.
David Pipe string is in decent form and CHAMPERS ON ICE is preferred to Le Rocher.
Blinkers are on for the first time, so have 2pts win at 13-2 in places.