Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Famous Bridge can get back to form at Haydock
THOSE that keep the faith with Famous Bridge can be rewarded in the Virgin Bet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock this afternoon.
Nicky Richards’ charge threw in a rare disappointing effort when pulled up in last month’s Great Yorkshire Chase, in which he was sent off one of the market leaders.
After a slow start, he made an error at the third and never really got going again, with Sean Quinlan calling time a fair way from home on the quickest ground he has run on so far this term.
Famous Bridge is better judged on his two previous Haydock wins, in a competitive November handicap chase and then in the Tommy Whittle, with both victories coming in testing conditions – similar to those he faces this weekend.
He had to tough it out in both finishes, with that kind of attitude a positive as he steps up to an extended three and a half miles now.
Salver is another who can thrive on the deep going in the Virgin Bet Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle.
He has won each of his three starts since joining trainer Gary Moore, culminating in a 21-length stroll in the Finale at Chepstow over the
Christmas period. His task was eased by the ground-enforced absence of Burdett Road, but his jumping was faultless and he loves soft ground.
You Wear It Well is the class act in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money
Back Mares’ Hurdle and, even with a penalty for her Wetherby Listed win back in November, she is well ahead on the ratings.
Elsewhere, Grade One glory is on offer in the Betfair Ascot Chase and
L’Homme Presse really should be winning in Berkshire if he is to be a credible Gold Cup challenger to Galopin Des Champs. He made a perfect return from a year out with victory at Lingfield last month.