Balder Succes got off the mark for the campaign with a smooth display in the Betfair Commits £40 Million To British Racing Hurdle at Haydock.

The four-year-old was highly regarded by trainer Alan King during his juvenile year but after winning his first three starts in Britain, he failed to complete in either the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham or at Grade One level at Punchestown.

Having made an encouraging return to action when third in Wincanton's Elite Hurdle, Balder Succes was a 1-2 favourite coming down in class and he produced a smart performance in the hands of Wayne Hutchinson.

The tough-as-teak Hollow Tree predictably set out to make all, but Balder Succes ranged up to his quarters still hard on the bridle at the top of the home straight and he pulled clear between the final two flights to score by six lengths.

King's assistant, Noel Williams, said: "It is a bit of a relief as when you're such a short price you just don't want anything to go wrong. He's a horse who made good progress last year but when he got up to Grade One level it was all happening a bit quick for him.

"He is still a big baby and very much a work in progress, but he is more mature now than he was last season. He has still got to improve to compete in the championship division, but he is certainly going the right way.

"I'm not sure where he'll go next. That will be up to Alan and the owners. Hopefully he'll do well over hurdles but he has plenty of scope about him to jump a fence one day as well."

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