Raya Star is set to turn out for the StanJames.com Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock on Saturday week.

The seven-year-old has taken his game to another level this term, winning a valuable Ascot handicap, chasing home Oscar Whisky in the Coral Hurdle, and finishing second behind Darlan in the Christmas Hurdle.

Connections can rightly look forward to a tilt at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, but are likely to know far more after running him at Haydock.

"Raya Star has had a break since Christmas and seems in good form with himself," said trainer Alan King.

"At the moment we are looking at running him in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock on Saturday week.

"That is probably where he'll go."

King is scouring the programme book for a suitable opportunity for Balder Succes following his disappointing display in The Ladbroke at Ascot last month.

"Balder Succes seems fine, but I'm struggling to find a race for him," said the Barbury Castle trainer.

"I'm trying to find a race for him where there aren't many runners as he seems to get worried when he runs in a big field, like he did in The Ladbroke.

"He could get an entry for Haydock as well, but I wouldn't want to run the two of them against each other."

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
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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