IT’S MURPH THE WAIT

Kalashnikov has Haydock prize in his sights

KALASHNIKOV is fancied to fire back over timber for the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (2.25) at Haydock this afternoon.

A fencing career over the past two winters failed to hit it the heights, but Amy my Murphy’s seven-year-old d was a top-class hurdler and makes his seasonal return here after a break of 287 days. It should be worth the wait.

In February 2018, Jack ack Quinlan’s mount took Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle apart, relishing the soggy conditions to score by four and a half lengths.

Kalashnikov signed off over the smaller obstacles with a neck second to Summerville Boy in Cheltenham’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle the following month. That was only his fifth attempt at the discipline, so there is an element of unfinished business.

The Betfair Racing Only Bettor Handicap Hurdle (1.50) is a good chance for ARRIVEDERCI. The winn winner of a Wincanton ma maiden hurdle last Ja January, Jonjo O’neill’s ( l eft) grey made a successful return in handicap company at Wetherby three weeks ago.

KINGS MONARCH ran third to Perfect Candidate in the My Odds Boost On Betfair Handicap Chase ( 3 . 3 5 ) , b ut another year on his back will help in his bid for revenge.

At Ascot, has the going-places profile required for the Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase (2.05). The Grade 2 test represents a rise in class for Kim Bailey’s seven-year-old, but the manner of his success in a Listed Intermediate Chase at Carlisle suggests he will be up to the job.

LAURINA was a winner at the top level for Willie Mullins and is expect ed to hit th e ground running for Paul Nicholls in the Coral Hurdle (2.40). Nicholls has Magic Saint and Capeland in the Coral Hurst Park Handicap Chase (3.17) but preference is for Irish challenger

The Coral Supporting Prostate Cancer UK bumper (3.50) is a guessing game, but Colin Tizzard’s NO HUBS NO HOOBS is well related.

ABBEY MAGIC.

BULLET PROOF Kalashnikov, trained by Amy Murphy (below), can benefit from a return to hurdling