Johnson targets Haydock feature
Owner David Johnson could be double-handed in Saturday’s Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock with both Therealbandit and It Takes Time.
The former, one of the most promising novices of last season, registered a most impressive success at Cheltenham in December but subsequently disappointed in the King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day.
The eight-year-old was a distant seventh behind Kicking King in the Kempton feature but was possibly not suited by the right-handed track.
Johnson had indicated that Therealbandit would head to Cheltenham’s Pillar Property Chase at the end of month but he now looks set to head north.
He said: “I haven’t spoken to Martin (Pipe) but I would think they are intended runners, otherwise he would not have declared them.
“Therealbandit was a little disappointing in the King George but has had a little break since then.”
Johnson will have a second string to his bow in the form of his useful dual purpose horse It Takes Time.
The 11-year-old was third over fences at Cheltenham on New Years’ Day after a couple of decent runs over hurdles.
“It Takes Time keeps running well and I’m sure his turn will come soon,” Johnson added.
Yorkshire trainer Sue Smith looks set to launch a two-pronged raid over the Pennines with Tommy Whittle Chase winner Chives set to be joined by last year’s winner Artic Jack.
The 10-year-old Chives was last seen in action when third to Silver Birch in the Welsh National and he is one of the horses in the running to land the British Horseracing Board’s Order of Merit bonus.
Chives, who is owned by Trevor Hemmings, seems to have been rejuvenated after switching to Mrs Smith from Henrietta Knight’s yard and she is pleased with his current form.
She said: “He’s been in very good form recently so we’ve entered him everywhere to keep our options open, including the Gold Cup and Irish Hennessy.
“Going for the Order of Merit is definitely a possibility, but it all needs to be discussed with Mr Hemmings before making any decisions.”
Hemmings added: “I’m just delighted that he’s returned to form as he’s had a few setbacks, but it’s great that he is there with a chance for the Order of Merit. The end of the season’s a long way off though!”
Bindaree is another who will be reappearing after running in the Welsh National at Chepstow last month.
The 2002 Grand National winner had a stressful few hours before he finished fifth in that race as his horsebox got stuck in traffic and he had to be ridden across the Severn Bridge to make the course in time.
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was pleased with that run and he has been encouraged by the fact the ground at Haydock is currently riding heavy.
“I will have to have a look at the race before making a final decision but if it’s heavy I would be more keen to go and at this time of year you usually get wet conditions at Haydock,” he said.
“He has done well since running in the Welsh National and I think this will be his last outing before the National.”
Another former race winner set to line up is the 2003 victor Truckers Tavern.
The 10-year-old beat Hussard Collonges in the race before going on to finish second to Best Mate in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Ferdy Murphy’s runner lost his way a bit after that but got his first win since January 2003 on the board last time when lifting the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby.
Murphy was delighted to see Truckers Tavern return to winning form and he would love to make it a double on Saturday.
“Truckers Tavern runs in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday. He seems really good and I would be really happy with him. He seems full of himself and he’s going to work on Tuesday morning,” said the Leyburn handler.
“If he comes out of this okay, he would go for the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup over an extended three and a half miles at Haydock again which is worth £120,000 - and then on to Cheltenham hopefully.”
A total of 14 horses have been entered with the Henry Daly-trained Hand Inn Hand, winner of the Grade One Ascot Chase last season, the likely top weight.
Overseas interest comes in the form of France’s First Gold, triumphant in the 2000 King George VI Chase and twice winner of the Martell Cup at Aintree.
Other prominent entries include Take The Stand, who was travelling well when falling four out on his latest start in the Welsh National, and Howard Johnson’s useful young chaser and Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup fourth Lord Transcend.
