ACTING DOUBLE

Welsh National Trial Chase hero Lass looks set for second big win of season

ACTING LASS is tipped for a starring role in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.40) at Haydock today.

The son – yes, son – of King’s Theatre spent more than a year on the sidelines after scoring three times over fences two seasons ago, but has emerged as good as ever this winter.

Although down the field behind Vinndication at Ascot in November, Acting Lass took a step forward in first-time cheekpieces in Chepstow’s Welsh National Trial the following month, beating Another Venture by half a length.

Harry Fry then aimed my selection at a big-money handicap chase at the royal racecourse four days before Christmas, and Acting Lass ran a stormer to take second to Regal Encore. The winner is a smart performer on his day and was undeniably well treated if he chose to put his best foot forward.

So Acting Lass did well to get to within three-quarters of a length of Anthony Honeyball’s equine enigma – and a 3lb rise in the weights looks fair for a horse poised to thrive under the prevailing conditions.

Already a Cheltenham Festival victor, is expected to lay down his Champion Hurdle credentials in the Grade 2 The New One Unibet Hurdle (3.15).

Last season’s Triumph Hurdle hero lost his unbeaten record over obstacles when fifth to Nicky Henderson stable-companion Call Me Lord in the International

Hurdle at Cheltenham in the middle of last month.

But the bare result doesn’t tell the full story as Pentland Hills raced too keenly during the early stages and, having travelled strongly into the race, found the climb to the line beyond him.

Nico De Boinville’s mount will strip fitter this time.

come home in front every time he has completed over obstacles, and the seven-year-old is taken to extend that record in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (2.05).

After a fall at Wetherby two starts ago, Jamie Snowden’s sevenyear-old won over the course and distance in November and still has more to offer.