‘SOUNDS’ LIKE A WINNER AT HAYDOCK TODAY
CHELTENHAM Gold Cup casualty SOUNDS RUSSIAN (2.40, nap) can make a winning return over hurdles at Haydock today.
The nine year old was travelling nicely when brought down by Ahoy Senor at the 17th fence last March.
Before that he was an excellent runner-up in the Cotswold Chase.
Sounds Russian was left with an injury after the Cheltenham tumble and has not been rushed back.
He returned to serious training at Ruth Jefferson’s Malton base recently and will not tackle fences this season.
The Grade
Two Virgin Bet Rendlesham Hurdle looks an ideal return to the track on ground that he should relish.
Benefit
He is the highest rated in the field, receives handy weight from Botox Has, and although he is certain to benefit from the race, he looks worth a go at 6-1.
In addition to two live contests at Haydock, there are four races on ITV from a strong Ascot card where Venetia Williams can have a good day.
Her Gold Cup contender L’HOMME PRESSE (3.36) is expected to win a disappointing renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase.
He has the gears to handle the drop in trip and he should outstay Pic D’orhy.
Ahoy Senor also comes back in trip and that could go either way, depending entirely on how he jumps.
Run
Williams’ VICTTORINO (3.00) has already won two valuable contests over the course and distance this season before a below par run at Cheltenham.
Back to a track that he clearly loves, the six year old is tipped to win the Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Handicap
Chase.
BAD (2.25) remains on a likeable handicap mark and is worth another chance over a longer trip in the Thoroughbed Industry Employee Awards Hurdle, while APPLE AWAY (1.50, trb) should make the most of the weight she receives in the Reynoldstown Chase.
The Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton is also on ITV and the slight preference is for GUARD YOUR DREAMS (2.05) who should be fitter after his recent return to action although Colonel Mustard is interesting now going back over hurdles.