Haydock preview: Mud-loving Rigadin ready to rock
Published:
David Metcalf | December 30, 2015
Rigadin De Beauchene will relish the testing conditions at Haydock today, and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to get back to winning ways in the 3m 3f handicap chase (14.00).
The Venetia Williams trained gelding is a dour stayer who is at his best when the mud is flying, and was last successful at the track in February 2014 when ploughing through bottonless ground to easily beat Emperor’s Choice by 10 lengths off a mark of 131.
Rigadin De Beauchene got put up to 147 for that victory and has failed to trouble the judge in seven subsequent outings.
However, that has resulted in the handicapper cutting him some slack and the 10-year-old is now able to race off just 127.
That is 4lb lower than when last successful and gives Rigadin De Beauchene major claims from a handicapping perspective.
The son of Visionary also comes into the contest on the back of two highly promising efforts and, with those runs under his belt, Rigadin De Beauchene should now be spot on to do himself justice.
Vintage Clouds can unroll for punters
In the 2m novices’ hurdle (13.25), Vintage Clouds holds outstanding claims of making it 2-2 over the obstacles.
The Sue Smith trained five-year-old was a useful bumper performer and created a big impression when winning on hurdles debut at the track last month.
After travelling well on the heels of the leaders, Vintage Clouds took up the running three from home and overcame a mistake at the second last before drawing clear to win by nine lengths.
The runner-up Baratineur has since come out and run a blinder to finish a short-head second on handicap debut, and the pair pulled 27 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a solid look.
Judged on the manner of that victory, Vintage Clouds looks an exciting prospect who needs keeping firmly onside, and with underfoot conditions holding no fears he can take this en route to better things.
Selections
12.20: Ballywilliam
12.50: Throthethatch
13.25: Vintage Clouds (NB)
14.00: Rigadin De Beauchene (NAP)
14.30: Friendly Royal
15.05: Nansaroy
15.35: Seven Devils
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