Weekend Preview / Timeform / 13 February 2009 / Leave a comment

Timeform run the rule over weekend racing action from Ascot, Haydock, Uttoxeter, Wincanton, Lingfield and Kempton as well as over the water in Ireland.

After the recent disruptions caused by the weather, it's a relief to hear Ascot is likely to go ahead on Saturday.

Breedsbreeze bids to further his Royal and Sun Alliance Chase credentials with a win in the opening three mile novice chase, with Carruthers looking the main danger. The valuable Betfair Handicap Hurdle takes place at 1.40, with Ladbroke runner-up Belcantista the likely favourite. Nicky Henderson's Dave's Dream, Michael Hourigan's Dancing Tornado and Francois Doumen's Onnix all pose a threat whilst later on there is Grade 1 action in The Ascot Chase at 2.40, with Voy Por Ustedes taking on Tamarinbleu, Gwanako and The Sawyer.

In the penultimate race, a handicap chase over seventeen furlongs, David Pipe's Consigliere bids for his fourth win in five starts.

Haydock's card sees the return of World Hurdle runner-up Kasbah Bliss in the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle, whilst John Quinn's Character Building heads the market for the Blue Square Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Later on the card, Paul Nicholls' Massasoit bids to get back on track in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle following his fifth behind Diamond Harry in last month's Challow Hurdle at Newbury, and is opposed by Tarablaze and Thetwincamdrift. In the Pertemps Qualifier at 3.25 the admirable Heathcliff will be looking to register his fourth successive victory.

Uttoxeter and Wincanton also provide jumps action on Saturday, the latter hosting an all-hurdle card following waterlogging on parts of the course. All-weather action takes place courtesy of Lingfield, Kempton and Wolverhampton.

In Ireland, there is Grade 2 action from Gowran on a card that includes the Red Mills Chase and The Red Mills Trial Hurdle. The former race sees Mouse Morris's Irish Grand National winner Hear The Echo make his first start over fences this season whilst the latter race features Noel Meade's Jazz Messenger, who heads the Timeform ratings.

Leopardstown on Sunday hosts the prestigious Irish Hennessy meeting. Hurricane Fly puts his Supreme Novices credentials on the line in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novices Hurdle where he faces Pandorama. Cooldine bids for his second win over fences in the Grade 1 Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase whilst the feature race on the card sees Neptune Collonges take on, amongst others, Welsh National winner Notre Pere and The Listener.