Reprieve in store for Haydock backers
Secret Reprieve was up against it defending his Welsh National title without a prep run, but he can feel the benefit of that outing in the William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock tomorrow.
Evan Williams’ charge was a three-length winner of the 2020 renewal of the Chepstow feature – albeit run in January 2021 due to the weather – but the eight-year-old had been off the track until returning in search of a second victory in the Christmas marathon.
Racing off a 6lb higher mark, he looked a real threat at one point before dropping away to finish fifth behind Iwilldoit, with his lack of match practice appearing to be a crucial factor.
The handicapper has dropped him 2lb for that effort and with that under his belt, plus conditions to suit, Secret Reprieve can take full advantage.
It will be disappointing if Porticello cannot set the seal on his Cheltenham preparations with victory in the William Hill Super Odds Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle.
He is the leading hometrained hope for the Triumph Hurdle after a comfortable eight-and-a-half-length verdict in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas.
Gary Moore’s runner relishes cut in the ground and the conditions of the race will put him at a distinct advantage.
Thomas Darby should face an easier task than last time out in the William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle.
Olly Murphy’s charge had to settle for fourth in the Long Walk at Ascot in December, beaten eight and a half lengths by three top stayers in Champ, Thyme Hill and Paisley Park – with the latter just collaring him for third on the run to the line.
Thomas Darby had previously impressed in winning the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, where a tongue tie seemingly made all the difference as he made amends for a previous disappointing effort at Wetherby.
With the breathing aid applied, Thomas Darby is seemingly back on form and while heavy ground is probably not his favourite, he has at least won on it before.
Grade One action is on offer at Ascot, with the admirable Dashel Drasher taken to retain his crown in the Betfair Ascot Chase.
Jeremy Scott’s charge absolutely thrives at the Berkshire track, with his five runs yielding four victories – including his breakthrough Grade One triumph in this contest a year ago.
He did not run again until tackling the reopposing Lostintranslation here in November, when a 273-day appeared to leave him in need of the outing against a rival who was back to somewhere near his best on the day but has disappointed since.