So good to be back.......with Keyboard Gangster at Haydock tomorrow

He was our last runner before the prolonged spell of gales, snow and ice brought a temporary halt to our season, and Keyboard Gangster is our first runner since.
The Gamut gelding was given a BHA rating of 130 following his 3 length defeat of GNWTLR's Bialco (OR 127) at Ayr in late February. That would seem logical were it not for the fact that most observers, including Lucinda, didn't think that the runner up ran anywhere near his official mark that day.
So, it's off to Haydock for a 2 mile novice hurdle where he is one of 3 horses in the race trying to defy a 6lb penalty for having won a hurdle this season previously. The advance going is soft (good to soft places).

The clear form horse is the twice 'black-typed' placed Midnight Shadow from Sue Smith's yard. Whichever way you look at the formbook, Midnight Shadow comes out best (although on heavy ground) - and also acts over tomorrow's course and distance. He sets a high level of ability to be aimed at.
Jimmy Moffat picked up a nice horse from Godolphin 18 months ago in Think Ahead - rated 105 on the Flat and the winner of over £100,000 in prize money. He won his novice at Cartmel during the summer, and will be well suited by the drying ground conditions.

Making up the field is a hurdling debutant from Venetia's yard, Kapga de Lily, a well-bred mare by French sire Kapgarde out of a dam who won over 2 miles over jumps. However, Kapga de Lily was well beaten in her sole start in a bumper in October and looks to have been placed by her trainer to gain experience here.

A fascinating race for a four runner event but, as the Cheltenham Gold Cup showed, you only need two horses to make a great race.
Callum takes the ride, and good luck to 'Mouse' Young and his fellow men-of-mystery of The Buyers Club.

 
Keyboard Gangster pictured here flanked by ex stable companions Bluefortytwo and Hartforth