Olly Murphy 'can't be sure' if well-fancied Thomas Darby will handle the ground

Saturday: 2.05 Haydock
William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2) | 3m½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

A third to Thyme Hill in the Stayers Hurdle at Aintree last season convinced Thomas Darby's connections to target races like the Rendlesham Hurdle this season, and the decision has yielded plenty of rewards.

The nine-year-old looked smart when landing the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November and probably ran even better when fourth in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on his next outing.

However, those considering taking short odds about Thomas Darby should be aware he has been withdrawn twice on account of soft going (both over around 2m) and is yet to encounter this sort of heavy-ground test over 3m.

Ratings have Molly Ollys Wishes as the likeliest to capitalise if Thomas Darby underperforms.

The versatile mare has been well placed by Dan Skelton to win five of her last seven starts over trips ranging from 2m to 2m7½f, although each of those victories has been secured in mares-only races.

The energy seemed to be running out over just shy of 3m in a soft-ground Ascot Grade 2 last time and her record against the boys is further cause for concern.

Top Ville Ben is inferior on the figures to Thomas Darby and Molly Ollys Wishes but merits plenty of respect.

Phil Kirby spied an opportunity to reroute his smart staying chaser to hurdles at Lingfield in January and the ten-year-old looked to relish the change of scenery.

Top Ville Ben avoids a penalty after accounting for the reopposing Emitom with something to spare and has form figures of 13F11 on heavy.

Third Wind is another with reasonable claims for the in-form Hughie Morrison, who is 7-18 with his jumpers this season.

All Third Wind's best runs have come with dig in the ground and his three-quarter-length winning margin when taking this last year might have been greater had he not idled when hitting the front in the final furlong.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Third Wind
He has won at Haydock on very deep ground, although it may be even deeper on Saturday. We'll take our chance. If things go well he'll go for the Stayers' Hurdle – he'll turn up in a Grade 1 one day. We have the Pertemps option at Cheltenham too.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Thomas Darby
He's in good nick. If he handles the ground, he'll win. It's going to be very deep there. I think he'll handle it, but I can't be sure.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Emitom
He seems in very good form. He did disappoint me at Lingfield. I think he's holding fire, myself. We've put the cheekpieces on and I'm hoping he'll be placed, but I can't forget that Lingfield run.

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of Wholestone
He's coming back from injury, he's done loads and loads of work. He hasn't had an awayday but we've got him as fit as we can without taking him away. Naturally, he'll improve for coming back to the races, but we're really happy with him; he still shows loads of his old spark. It's a nice race to see where we're at and we can try and work out what way we're going forward.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Molly Ollys Wishes
She's won on heavy ground before and she gets three miles. I had her in at Warwick last week but I was much happier to give her an extra week and be on the slower ground. It's a strong race but I'm very happy with our horse.

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2.05 Haydock: Olly Murphy 'can't be sure' if well-fancied Thomas Darby will handle the ground

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