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racing news |
What A Friend Set for Seasonal Bow
25/10/11
Paul Nicholls is set to include What A Friend in the line up for the John Smith's Hurdle at Wetherby on Saturday for his first run of the new campaign.
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The Sir Alex Ferguson-owned horse finished fourth in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup and also ran in the Grand National, in which he was pulled up by jockey Daryl Jacob, after struggling to see out the trip of 4m4f. Those looking for online betting tips will be wondering if the horse has what it takes to stay that sort of distance at all.
He did make his seasonal reappearance at Haydock last season in the Betfair Chase, when finishing firth behind winner Imperial Commander. However, Paul Nicholls feels the hurdle race at Wetherby is the perfect introduction for his runner to the new season as an eight-year old.
What A Friend has not run over hurdles since pulling up in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival in 2008. He then began his chasing career later that year, and won Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in 2009.
Opposition in the field is set to come from Fair Along who is aiming for his third consecutive win in the race. Philip Hobbs' runner enjoys running fresh and will be looking for success once again in his opener. He hasn't won since the race last year, but the break will have boosted his chances
David Pipe has entered Ashkazar in the race, whilst there is an entry from Knockara Beau, in what is conserved as a very competitive renewal of the 3m1f event from Wetherby.
Kayf Aramis was runner-up to Fair Along last year and he will be hoping to go one better this time around.
