Timeform Weekend Preview: Ascot and Haydock are the domestic highlights while Sha Tin stages an $8,000,000 classic

Weekend Preview / Timeform / 16 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run through the races to watch this weekend.

Ascot provides the main focus of attention for jump racing fans this weekend with a strong card built around the day's showpiece, The Grade 1 Victor Chandler Chase. The opening novice hurdle sees Nicky Henderson's Zaynar attempt to take his record to two from two, having been promoted to Triumph Hurdle favouritism after beating Walkon and eleven others at Newbury a month ago.

Henderson is doubly represented in the following race, a Grade 2 Limited Handicap Hurdle, in which top-weight Lough Derg bids to follow up his victory at Cheltenham on New Years Day for David Pipe. He faces opposition from, amongst others, Serabad, Group Captain and Kawagino.

Arkle hopefuls, Calgary Bay and Free World clash in the Grade 2 Novices Chase at 1.40, whilst the champion trainer and owner Clive Smith are also represented by Master Minded in the Grade 1 highlight, who faces just four rivals. David Pipe saddles French import Or Noir de Somoza whilst Petit Robin bids to make amends for a narrow defeat in the Desert Orchid Chase last time.

Haydock and Wincanton also stage National Hunt action on Saturday. At the former track, Snap Tie and Afsoun contest the opening race on the card, the Grade 2 Champion Hurdle Trial.

The following race, the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Limited Handicap Chase, is an open looking event, with the likes of Cloudy Lane, Dear Villez and Miko De Beauchene all in the field whilst the 2.25 has attracted Supreme Novices Hurdle contenders Mahonia, Clay Hollister and Dee Ee Williams. The final race at Haydock, a fixed brush novices' hurdle contest, sees Finney bid to follow up his recent Hereford win.

As ever at this time of year the all-weather courses are in full swing, and there is handicap action at Lingfield on Saturday with Matsunosuke bidding for his third win in a month in the 2.55 William Hill January Sale - Bonuses Galore Handicap.

In Ireland Cousin Vinny faces three rivals when attempting to record his second victory over hurdles in the 1.30 at Naas, whilst later on the card Clopf and Aitmatov clash in the Limestone Lad Listed Hurdle at 2.35. On Sunday, both Cork and Fairyhouse host fixtures.

British racing on Sunday comes courtesy of Towcester, Market Rasen and Kempton. The most valuable race of the day, however, is staged at Sha Tin, where 16 are declared for the Group 1 Mercedes Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile, worth over $8,000,000 to the winner.