Rock The Kasbah is hoping to enhance his Cheltenham and Aintree credentials as the soft ground specialist targets Haydock’s Peter Marsh Chase.
The eight-year-old was ruled out of the Welsh Grand National due to the heavy ground, and remains an exciting prospect for the season.
He won stylishly at Chepstow on his last outing at October, and has been primed for this Grade Two handicap contest.
"I'm not worried about the heavy ground at Haydock,” said trainer Philip Hobbs.
“It was a combination of the trip and the ground why we pulled him at out Chepstow. This race isn't over as far and he's won at Haydock before, so I've no issues taking him there.
“I wouldn't say I'm desperate to run him but he's ready to run."
The Dutchman hasn’t stepped up from his encouraging form since joining Colin Tizzard’s yard, but the Dorset yard are expecting more from him this afternoon.
The eight-year-old was sent off favourite for a handicap at Cheltenham last month, but finished only fifth.
He was second to subsequent Grade One winner Sam Spinner when last at Haydock, but that was over hurdles.
“He’s running over fences for the first time for us, but he has plenty of experience chasing,” Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin, told his Coral blog.
“I think he was one of the first horses to run below par for us when he ran at Cheltenham last time out.
“He seems in really good form and he’s better handicapped over fences. There is a big race in him I have no doubt.
“We’ve been schooling him all season over fences and Dad has been saying he’s a chaser, he’s a chaser, so we’re running him in this as it’s a good pot to go for.”
Captain Redbeard was a good winner here last month, whilst Hainan also won in dominant fashion at the Lancashire venue on his last appearance in November.
Nigel Twiston-Davies won this last year with Bristol De Mai, and saddles recent Kempton winner Tintern Theatre.
Yala Enki runs for Venetia Williams, whilst recent Ascot third Walk In The Mill represents Robert Walford.
Carole’s Destrier has been disappointing in two runs since finishing second in Newbury’s newly-named Ladbroke Trophy, whilst Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell saddles Forest des Aigles. The seven-year-old is seeking a fourth straight victory.
Ptit Zig, Fine Rightly, Highland Lodge and Knockanrawley also compete.
TIP: Rock The Kasbah has some very strong form and providing he acts on the ground he should run a very big race. I think The Dutchman has to be looked at each-way after a good second on his last visit to Lancashire. He is a very good price, considering how well handicapped he is.
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