LORD TO TAKE TRIAL TRIUMPH
Lord Du Mesnil can continue his recently-acquired winning habit in the Unibet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock tomorrow.
The seven-year-old was remarkably without success in his first 23 attempts in Britain and France, yet has made up for lost time by winning his last three.
Lord Du Mesnil is therefore playing a starring role in Richard Hobson's outstanding season, and he will give his Cotswolds trainer a happy headache if he makes it four out of four since the end of November.
This is undoubtedly by far his toughest task to date, but the manner of his last two victories at this course - including over this same marathon distance on the most recent occasion, just before the new year - have put him very definitely in top staying company.
They also resulted this week in a Grand National entry - and although Hobson has gone on record that he will prefer to wait until next year for that assignment, he may have to re-visit the topic soon.
Lord Du Mesnil has already incurred a 25lb rise in the ratings this season, and the manner of his front-running displays suggests there could be plenty more to come.
Sammy Bill did not manage to deal with his new handicap mark last time - but he too is a major improver over fences this season, and can get back on track in the Keltbray Swinley Chase at Ascot.
Oliver Sherwood's lightlyraced seven-year-old was disappointing on the face of it at Kempton last month - but he still finished quite strongly over an extended two and a half miles there, and this longer trip at a stiffer track could well see renewed progress.
Ascot also stages by far the classiest race of the weekend.
It is impossible to oppose the claims of Cyrname as he bids to retain the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase over his favourite course and distance - but the performances of both Riders Onthestorm and Traffic Fluide will be of note, with major spring targets in mind. Wincanton provides one of the final Champion Hurdle trials, with the Cheltenham Festival less than a month away.
Progressive handicapper
Song For Someone has an opportunity to upset a couple of shorter-priced rivals in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle while earlier on the card, Not Another Muddle may be able to defy both a big weight and 10-month absence in the Betway
Heed Your Hunch HandicapChase.AtLingfield,Kachy makes an unscripted return as he resumes his quest for eligibility to retain his title on Good Friday's All-Weather Championships Finals Day. He was due to tick that box in the Cleves Stakes here at the start of this month, only for a late mishap to prevent him running that day.