19/11/16 STraight From The Trainers Mouth

Paul Nicholls

Haydock 13:50 Old Guard
We are switching him back to hurdles for this £100,000 prize which always looked as though it would cut up. His chasing career got off to an unfortunate start at Newton Abbot before he knuckled down well to win narrowly at Exeter last time. I'm putting cheek pieces on him to sharpen him up and he worked very well in them on Thursday. We known he stays well and does want a trip now which as just as well as conditions are going to be testing. I'd say on his best form he will go very close.
★★★★☆

Nicky Henderson
12:55 Ascot– BEWARE THE BEAR
I like him. He’s been in Point to Points before going novice hurdling and has been doing everything I have asked. His jumping has been good and he goes there with solid claims. I think it’s a very realistic starting point for the season and he’ll like the trip and ground which will bring out the best in him.    
★★★★☆
3:15 Ascot– VANITEUX 
I wanted to run him at Haydock (today) in the Graduation Chase but the ground has gone for him there so we’re coming back to this and it looks a decent race to kick off with, although the going would still be a slight worry for me. He’s in very good form however and schooled beautifully earlier in the week. His form with Fox Norton looks pretty good, doesn’t it? So you’d have to be hopeful.
★★★★☆
3:50 Ascot– TALES OF THE TWEED 
He’s another horse I really like and I ran him up at Kelso in the spring when he wouldn’t have known a lot, in fact, he would have known absolutely zilch but I wanted to squeeze a run into him for experience but he’ll know exactly what the job is all about this time and I think he will be very competitive.
★★★★☆
3:25 Huntongdon– COLONIAL DREAMS
He’s been doing everything I have asked of him at home but it will be difficult to know how he’ll handle the ground and he will definitely come on for the run. He should be competitive, however.    
★★★★☆
12:10 Haydock– BARATINEUR
He is relatively new to us but is a hardy handicapper who is in great shape at home. He has form on soft and heavy but he doesn’t really strike me as a proper mudlark but maybe he will handle the condition, but it is going to be very testing, which is a concern for me.
★★★☆☆
1:50 Haydock– MY TENT OR YOURS
(pictured, left) We have to run him, regardless of the ground, as he just needs to get out and there aren’t many races for him. It’s a small field but a pretty select one and it looks a decent race. He’s in very good heart at home though and going very well which gives me confidence. It’s going to be horrible ground but he’s got nowhere else to go so we’re giving it a go. The StanJames.com International at Cheltenham in three weeks’ time is where we are aiming at so it’s important that we get an outing into him. He’s well and won’t disgrace himself, that’s for sure.
★★★★☆

Nigel Twiston-Davies
12.40 Haydock- El Terremoto
Won his maiden hurdle at Stratford in nice style just over three weeks ago and gets weight from all bar one of his five rivals for his handicap debut. Back from 2m 6f on good to 2m 3f on heavy shouldn't trouble him and from what looks a good mark, he can take full advantage. Jamie Bargary aboard claiming 3lbs.
★★★★☆
1.15 Haydock- Wood Yer
Won at Kempton in October '14 but was off until winning on his return at Chepstow in March this year from a pound higher on 114. Up to 119 last time out in April at Bangor saw him take second spot, these all over 3m. Off the same mark but up to 3m 4+f here, this heavy ground will suit and he should be staying on when most of his rivals have had enough. Always goes well and looks to have a solid each way chance, Jamie takes off 3lbs.
★★★☆☆
2.25 Haydock- Ballybolley
Hasn't been out of the first two from four outings over fences this season and reverts to hurdles, though of the fixed brush kind. Rated 139 over fences, he goes from 134 here plus Jamie's 3lb claim, so he looks to be on a decent mark here. He's not encountered heavy ground for a while but has gone well on it before though he would prefer it good, but is in good form and can threaten the places at decent odds. Another good run expected.
★★★☆☆