'I think he'll take plenty of beating' - which trainer is confident of landing this competitive handicap hurdle?

Exclusive new customer sign up offers


FREE BETS


FREE BETS
Ground conditions are always important, because a horse transmits its ability via the way its legs interact with the surface, and they could be absolutely crucial here.
The going was already a mixture of soft and heavy and more rain was expected so what is it going to be like in the finale, after 60 horses have raced on it?
That has to be a worry for Eaton Anne, who would ordinarily have been of huge interest after coming from a seemingly impossible position to win at Uttoxeter on New Year's Eve.
He is clearly back on the up after a wind operation and will be suited by this longer trip. But he has never raced on anything like this.
Trainer Andy Irvine also wonders whether conditions will suit Godot. He scored the third soft-ground win of his career over this course and distance last month, but was well held the last two times he ran on heavy.
Ilot De L'Isle won in something similar last time out but that was in France more than two years ago. He has been out of action since and it would be taking a lot on trust to be backing him here. But the revitalised Cast's Tasha should be at home on the surface, having finished first or second in each of her last three runs on heavy ground.
The most recent of those occasions was at Sandown last month, where she looked to be travelling best going to the final flight only to be outstayed up the hill.
This track presents less of a test of stamina and the proven mudlark should give another good account in conditions that may prove alien to others.
What they say
Richard Bandey, trainer of Ilot De L'Isle
He's never run for us but he's a good horse. He had a bit of a tendon injury last season and it's been a long road to recovery. He's in great form, but he'll need the run after his time off. He probably wants to go right-handed, but this is down the road and we need to get started with him.
Andy Irvine, trainer of Godot
He gets on well with Philip Armson, who takes off 3lb. He's in good nick and I'm hopeful. He's a course-and-distance winner, but the ground might be a bit of an issue.

Ben Clarke, trainer of Cast's Tasha
She's improved this season. She ran a cracker when winning at Ffos Las and again when second at Sandown, where the race may have come a bit quick for her. Trip, track and ground are all right so she should run well.
Richard Hobson, trainer of Kalhandrion
He's a lovely horse. Everything got to him at Cheltenham last time and he lost his head a bit so he'll be suited by a quiet little handicap. He'll want further in time, but on the heavy ground two-mile-four will be fine.
Olly Murphy, trainer of Eaton Anne
He came from an impossible position to win last time. The track and trip will suit and he looks as though he's progressive. If he handles the ground I think he'll take plenty of beating, but I'm a little bit nervous about how heavy it's going to be.

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
- 3.25 Fairyhouse: The final step on the road to Aintree for Grand National big guns in phenomenal renewal of the Bobbyjo Chase
- 'This will have been his target all season' - this week's jurors are nearly unanimous in their verdict about this big-race contender
- Will this Ladbrokes Trophy up-and-coming force emerge as the one to end Nicky Henderson's Grand National hoodoo?
- 2.25 Kempton: Can Mondo Man break duck over hurdles or will Lulamba form come unstuck? Adonis to serve up key Triumph clues
- A Pertemps qualifier that produces Cheltenham Festival winners and a leading Mares' Chase fancy has her trial
- 3.25 Fairyhouse: The final step on the road to Aintree for Grand National big guns in phenomenal renewal of the Bobbyjo Chase
- 'This will have been his target all season' - this week's jurors are nearly unanimous in their verdict about this big-race contender
- Will this Ladbrokes Trophy up-and-coming force emerge as the one to end Nicky Henderson's Grand National hoodoo?
- 2.25 Kempton: Can Mondo Man break duck over hurdles or will Lulamba form come unstuck? Adonis to serve up key Triumph clues
- A Pertemps qualifier that produces Cheltenham Festival winners and a leading Mares' Chase fancy has her trial