Racing Tips: Cobden set for perfect start with the Capitaines armband

SAM TWISTON-Davies caused something of a shock last week when he announced that he was going freelance, leaving Harry Cobden to take the number one spot at Paul Nicholls Ditcheat yard.

Twiston-Davies will still ride regularly for the 10-time champion jumps trainer, but its now Cobden who gets the first pick and he could be celebrating after tomorrows Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle (3.10pm) at Haydock.

This is the first big handicap of the new National Hunt season and CAPITAINE looks to hold very strong claims.

The six-year-old was switched back to hurdles at Cheltenham last month after a long break.

That was his first trip to Prestbury Park, but he didnt seem to enjoy the track and was just too keen after being off since December.

He was backed as if defeat was out of the question that day and a return to a more conventional track with a stronger pace will suit.

The stable is in good form and Capitaine is now 2lbs lower, so he looks worth supporting at 12/1.

Nicholls has surprisingly never won this race, but he has another good chance with Act Of Valour, who just missed out on a spot in todays Chester Cup.

The ground was a bit soft for him at Sandown a couple of weeks ago and he should go well for Bryony Frost.

Evan Williams has won three of the last five renewals of this race, including with John Constable 12 months ago who will carry top weight tomorrow.

Its going to be a tough ask for him, but stablemate Silver Streak looks dangerously well handicapped on the back of his second to Hunters Call in the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle in December.

POINTERS TOMORROW

Capitaine e/w 3.10pm Haydock

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