'He's a bit stronger and older - he would have to be a player' - Dan Skelton sweet on chances of classy hurdler

Shortly after a two-time Betfair Chase winner tackles the Peter Marsh we get to witness another 11-year-old Haydock warrior. Bushypark is clearly no Royale Pagaille, but he is unbeaten on the hurdles track when standing up.

Bushypark is relentless at a lower level at the Merseyside course when on song, and was holding every chance while adopting his customary front-running tactics before falling at the ninth over course and distance in December. 

This is, however, a tough ask up in grade, particularly with potential pressure for the lead from the likes of Tiny Tetley, Uncle Bert and Young Jack. His prospects are also impacted by the cancellation of last weekend’s Lanzarote card at Kempton. 

Good Look Charm and Punta Del Este were dark horses for that historic handicap hurdle and both appeal as potential beneficiaries for this longer trip.

Good Look Charm seems to appreciate a war of attrition over two and a half miles and it is significant Anthony Honeyball, a good operator in this sort of race, continues to utilise the 10lb claim of Chad Bament. That could prove a crucial concession in the conditions.

Punta Del Este loves the mud and shaped as if requiring a stronger test of stamina when fifth over 2m3f here in November. This looks a perfect fit for a horse who invariably contests better races. There have been many stronger £50,000 pots and that fact will not be lost on Dan Skelton in his pursuit of the British trainers' title. 

Tune In A Box, who has climbed 41lb in the handicap in the past 14 months, almost defied the assessor yet again when beaten a short-head on Welsh National day. That form received a timely boost on Thursday when fourth Phantomofthepoints collected at Wincanton, albeit that horse threw the race away at Chepstow.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Punta Del Este
He has a nice chance. He's won at the track and the soft ground would be no issue for him. Now he's a bit stronger and older he would have to be a player.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Uncle Bert
He likes heavy ground and ran well at Aintree last time. He should run a good race.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Tune In A Box
His form received a boost on Thursday when Phantomofthepoints, who finished two places behind him at Chepstow, won at Wincanton. I’d like to think he’s got a right chance, but you can't be certain about the ground. He’s a game horse who definitely acts on heavy, but I’m not sure he’d like it to be gluey.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Inox Allen
We’re going back over hurdles after Uttoxeter. He’ll definitely make a chaser in time, but everything suits him in this race. The ground can’t be heavy enough for him and he stays three miles well. I'm quite hopeful.

Chris Grant, trainer of Young Jack
He was disappointing at Kelso last time, but there was a legitimate excuse for that. He should get the three miles at Haydock and he likes soft ground.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Kilbarry Hill
He’s on an upward curve. It’s a step up in grade, but hopefully he can be competitive. If he relaxes early on he has a good each-way chance.

Phil Kirby, trainer of Bushypark
He’s an 11-year-old and a bit in and out. I thought he was going to run a huge race last time when he fell. I’m sure he would have gone very close. He likes Haydock, and the fall doesn’t seem to have done him any harm. The ground looks perfect for him; it can’t be soft enough for him. He’s not as reliable as he used to be, but I’m hopeful.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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