Alary is the unexposed quantity in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase having raced in Grade 1’s over in France. He carries an entry for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and if he can defy the burden of top-weight off a mark of 162 then he will be well worth his place.
The noises out of the Tizzard yard seem positive, but this is his very first run in the UK, and this is a fiercely competitive contest for him to notch a victory off his opening handicap mark.
The Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle appears to be the prominent form-line where Bristol De Mai ran aggressively to finish second to Otago Trail. Daryl Jacob’s mount may be the pick of the weights on the revised terms, but at the prices, BISHOPS ROAD, who was back in fourth that day is arguably the bet with the race set to be run to suit with a strong gallop.
Kerry Lee’s mount looks overpriced on the count of a lacklustre end to the Welsh National, but that run can be forgiven as he had to carry the same weight as Native River, and the Chepstow track is not always for everyone.
As it transpired he got a kick during that race as well, and came back sore, but he has fully recovered according to his trainer and he may be more comfortable back over a flat track.
Bishops Road returns to the track of his greatest triumph to date, and the handicapper has relinquished his grip somewhat with a 5lb drop in the weights to a mark 5lbs higher than his last success at Haydock.
A stamina test in the mud is what he is calling out for, and he may just outstay the likes of Bristol De Mai (5lbs better-off for the Newcastle run), Otago Trail (10lbs better off), and Definitely Red (12lbs better off) having now had a couple of breezes over fences on ground which may have been sharp enough for him.
We are taking Bishops Road to get back on track for a tilt at the Grand National at a best priced 10/1.
1pt win Bishops Road @10/1, 15:15 Haydock, Saturday (betfair sportsbook)
Leave a comment