Bite might be the one to back at Haydock

RACING: Different test over a shorter trip should suit Henderson’s hope in Chase

MIGHT BITE is the clear and obvious choice to get the better of his great rival Native River in Haydock’s Betfair Chase.

It was Colin Tizzard’s hugely admirable chaser who came out on top of course in a stirring race for the ages in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, ultimately by a decisive four and a half lengths, from Might Bite.

But that was only after a wonderfully uncompromising battle between the pair over the three miles two and a half furlongs of jump racing’s annual showpiece.

Haydock is a different, sharper test – and over a marginally shorter trip too and less tiring ground forecast, everything points to Might Bite.

The market agrees, having made Nicky Henderson’s hope an evenmoney favourite under fit-again regular partner Nico de Boinville to prevail in the five-runner culmination of an outstanding card.

Half-an-hour earlier, we have another opportunity to see a young horse who himself promises to be a blue-chip chaser of the future.

PAISLEY PARK faces a tough test to give 12lb to favourite First Assignment in the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle.

But Emma Lavelle’s imposing sixyear-old demonstrated significant progress to win a decent handicap off top weight at Aintree last month.

First Assignment has caught the imagination, and attracted the money, of many by delivering twice at Cheltenham already this season – yet in Paisley Park, he may well meet his match.

Ascot plays a high-class second fiddle to Haydock by staging both the Coral Hurdle and the Christy 1965 Chase, both coveted Grade Two prizes.

WE HAVE A DREAM looks a likely contender in the former, while Benatar may be worth chancing in the latter.

Gary Moore pulled the six-year-old out of last weekend’s BetVictor Gold Cup, and instead won that famous handicap with Baron Alco.

He quickly nominated this race as Benatar’s next option. Although he will have to improve to win, and overcome his unwelcome tendency to pull too hard at times, the King George entry can signal a successful season ahead.

SELECTIONS:

ASCOT: 12.20 Stoney Mountain, 12.55 Merry Milan, 1.30 Petticoat Tails, 2.05 Benatar, 2.40 We Have A Dream, 3.15 Duke Of Navan, 3.50 Roccowithlove.

HAYDOCK: 12.10 Denmead, 12.40 Little Bruce, 1.15 Full Glass, 1.50 Admiral Barratry, 2.25 Paisley Park, 3.00 MIGHT BITE (NAP), 3.35 Takingrisks.

DOUBLE: Might Bite and We Have A Dream.