'If he can build on his last run he's got a great each-way chance'

Saturday: 1.45 Ascot
SBK Holloway's Handicap Hurdle | 2m3½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

There is only one obvious front-runner in this £30,000 handicap and it will be no surprise if Kateson enjoys an uncontested lead.

The nine-year-old finished third to Craigneiche 12 months ago – when unable to lead – and competes off an 8lb lower mark now.

Last year's winning trainer Nicky Henderson also landed the prize in 2018 with Jenkins, so Fils D'Oudairies, who makes his first appearance for the Seven Barrows trainer, merits close inspection.

He boasts Graded novice chase form behind the likes of Envoi Allen and Monkfish in Ireland, and contested the Paddy Power Plate at Cheltenham last March.

Unexpected Party, beaten at odds of 8-13 at Wetherby over Christmas, has been raised 6lb for that length defeat by The Brimming Water, which seems a tad harsh.

Perhaps better handicapped is the Philip Hobbs-trained Stellar Magic, who won two deep-ground novice hurdles at Taunton last winter and should have improved for a reappearance at Haydock when second to Up For Parol.

That winner was by no means discredited when a staying-on sixth of 19 behind Cobblers Dream in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last week.

Garry Clermont's third to Tritonic in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Ascot before Christmas is a rock-solid piece of form, but he’ll need to be a very talented horse to carry 11st 12lb to victory against some less exposed rivals.

The one who takes the eye from a punting perspective is Smurphy Enki. His Fontwell second on Boxing Day to Hystery Bere was an excellent effort under the steadier of 11st 12lb.

Usually ridden prominently, he could get a nice lead from Kateson and be in pole position to kick for home under 10st 10lb at the entrance to the short straight.

What they say

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Stellar Magic
He ran great on his first run back at Haydock. Hopefully he's come on for that, and goes there with a strong chance.

Evan Williams, trainer of Esprit Du Large
I was very happy to get a clear round into him last time. The poor little fellow's confidence had been shot to bits. We're stepping up in class again, which we have to do at some time. He may be rated much lower over hurdles than fences, but he's not a hurdler – he's an out-and-out two mile chaser on heavy ground. Unless I can get his confidence back that mark is an irrelevance. It was a huge step in the right direction last time.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Unexpected Party
He's proven twice that he can compete at this level, finishing second both times. He's got to step up a bit but I'm happy with him.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Smurphy Enki
If he can build on his Fontwell run over Christmas he's got a great each-way chance. He doesn't need to make the running, but we'll sit handy – he's happy towards the front. He's not the biggest horse in the world, so the fact that he is carrying just 10st 10lb will be to his advantage.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Sonigino
He was a bit disappointing at Doncaster. He was too keen that day, and needs to learn to settle. He's still a big, green horse.

Saturday's race previews:

1.25 Haydock: Jonbon 'in great form' ahead of Supreme prep run but will he justify the hype?

1.40 Navan: Gordon Elliott urges Tiger Roll caution as road to Cheltenham continues

2.00 Haydock: are Grade 1 ambitions justified for improving Tommy's Oscar?

2.35 Haydock: can Royale Pagaille defy huge weight concessions to defend Peter Marsh crown?

2.55 Ascot: 'No reason why he can't put up another good show' – key handicap chase quotes

3.35 Ascot: Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins on Saturday's big Clarence House clash

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