Nigel Twiston-Davies says Bristol De Mai is in good shape ahead of Saturday’s Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock.
Bristol De Mai was second in the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last year and followed that impressive outing up with further second-place finishes at Ayr, Carlisle and Newcastle.
Twiston-Davies says Saturday’s Haydock race was always on the agenda for the six-year-old, who should be well suited to the heavy going.
The Naunton-based handler said: “This has been the plan since the race at Newcastle. He ran well up at Newcastle and he seemed to get the three miles well, he was just beaten by a very good horse [Otago Trail].
“He is in good form. He is a good work horse and enjoys himself at home. The heavy ground should suit him.
“He must have a good chance in a handicap like this.”
The gelding faces some stiff competition, however, with French hope Alary tipped to run well, while Definitly Red, Vintage Clouds and Firebird Flyer are also expected to be in the mix.
