'He'll run a very competitive race' - one trainer is confident of a big run

Monday: 3.00 Taunton
Stables Business Park Handicap Hurdle | 2m3f | 4yo+ | RTV

This is a race which revolves around the unbeaten Lady Adare, who has won a bumper and three over hurdles.

She started 1-4 over this course and distance when thrashing Peerless Beauty by 16 lengths last February on her most recent appearance.

That runner-up has since won a mares’ maiden hurdle and twice been placed in similar events to earn an official rating of 108.

Lady Adare graduates to handicaps off 130, but you get the distinct impression – both from the manner of her victories and the regard in which she is held by trainer Harry Fry – that she could develop into a useful performer this season.

It may be pertinent to point out, though, that this is the first time she tackles members of the other sex.

Sayadam brings impressive form figures of 112211 into the race and could be the one to take advantage of any ring-rustiness in the likely warm favourite.

The son of Saint Des Saints made a winning first venture into handicaps at Fontwell last time out, when getting the better of a thrilling tussle with Franco D’Aunou by a nose.

He carried top weight of 12st in the soft ground that day and emerged with nothing but credit. A subsequent 4lb rise looks fair.

All five of Yes No Maybe So’s wins have been achieved on ground officially described as good. He has been withdrawn because of soft ground before and there must be a doubt as to whether he will be able to produce his best form on what is likely to be quite testing terrain after weekend downpours.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Harry Fry, trainer of Lady Adare
We've tried a few times to run this season but we haven't been able to unfortunately due to weather transpiring against us. She was last seen winning over course and distance, so it's a good place to get her season under way. She's definitely ready to get started and then we'll go from there.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Sayadam
I'd have liked some better ground but he's not going to get that – although he will handle soft ground. This is a much more competitive race than Fontwell, but he's a real trier. He'll run a very competitive race.

David Pipe, trainer of American Sniper
It looks quite a good race but he's had a great season and has form at track and trip. He should have an each-way shout.

Alan King, trainer of Forever William
It's always a hard season for those juveniles as five-year-olds but he ran all right when he didn't quite get the trip at Cheltenham last time. This should be ideal with a bit of soft ground, so I'd like to think he'd be competitive.

Evan Williams, trainer of Quoi De Neuf
He ran badly over hurdles there last time but we thought we'd go back over them because he loves the track. He tends to run well there but it looks a strong race.
Reporting by James Stevens

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