February preview
The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, formerly known as the Totesport Trophy, is one of the few big races to have evaded champion trainer Paul Nicholls. However, the Ditcheat based handler is hoping to amend that with his unbeaten Zarkandar. An impeccably bred individual, being a half-brother to the brilliant Zarkava, he won all three of his starts over timber last season including the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He looks potentially very well handicapped off a mark of 151, especially if a wind operation brings about even more improvement. Nicholls’ championship rival Nicky Henderson has fared much better in the two miles event winning it four times since 1998 inclusive. He is likely to be represented by former Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino and possibly the unbeaten novice Darlan. The latter sports the green and gold silks of J.P.McManus, who won this event a couple of years ago with another novice Get Me Out of Here. Olofi and Third Intention are interesting runners at bigger odds to consider.
Indeed, it is a magnificent days racing at the Berkshire venue on the 11th February with the inaugural running of the Denman Chase. Previously named the Aon Chase, we are likely to get another opportunity to see the Gold Cup winner Long Run as he completes his preparation in an attempt to reclaim his crown in March. Other highlights on the card are likely to come from Sprinter Sacre in the Game Spirit Chase over two miles as he puts his unbeaten record over fences on the line and Grands Crus similarly in the three miles novice chase. The pair have looked outstanding chasing prospects and it will be a surprise if either is beaten.
Haydock Park also provides some fantastic action on Racing UK with the Betfred Grand National Trial on Saturday 18th the feature race over a stamina sapping three miles four. David Pipe’s Junior has been trained for the Grand National and connections have been waiting for the weights to be published before running the nine year old. A wide margin winner at the Cheltenham Festival last spring, he could make his reappearance at the Merseyside track en route to Aintree.
