Trainer David Pipe insists only time will tell if Katkeau has been let in lightly by the handicapper as he makes his British debut in the Betfair-sponsored "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.

The master of Pond House has saddled Grands Crus and Dynaste to win this valuable prize for the last two years, so it is no surprise bookmakers have taken no chances and installed this latest French recruit as favourite.

Pipe said: "Both horses are having their first run for me and I think they both go their with good chances as they are at the right end of the weights."

He added: "Katkeau has obviously come over from France and, on his French form, you would have to think he'll love the ground. I'm happy with him at home and I think he has an OK mark (124), but obviously we'll find out for sure on Saturday.

"Knight Pass has never run on ground like this before so that has to be a concern. Tom (Scudamore) rode both horses at home and had a difficult choice to make, but decided to go with Knight Pass. He's a horse who has always promised a lot, without fully delivering."

Saphir River is an interesting runner for Lucinda Russell.

The six-year-old hinted at ability in three starts for Michael Scudamore last season and won a beginners' chase at Uttoxeter on his debut for new connections.

Russell said: "He's better on soft and heavy ground. He's an amazing horse, you hardly see him move on it. Any rain doesn't really worry us.

"He's got good form previously. He was second, just beaten in the French Champion Hurdle, on very heavy ground so if he can repeat that form he could go quite close.

"We had to do something with him before this race so we thought chasing was a good idea. He jumped well and we were quite pleased with him, so hopefully he will be OK."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests