Scu's View - Hills can put us in the Black

In his 10 starts, the gelding has been in the frame eight times yet only won once. Such a sequence would usually make you think that Black Hills did not look the world's most resolute horse but that would be unfair. Just look at the rivals to have conquered him this season.

Last time, he beat all apart from Nicky Henderson's handicap snip Oedipe at Kempton over Christmas.

The three winners of the other races he has contested since the start of the season — Natal, Pablo Du Charmil and Opera Mundi — have all won since.

Importantly, the handicapper has not overreacted to Black Hill's run of near misses.

A glance at the form of PRINCIPE AZZURO (Wincanton, 2.15) once again shows a runner who has taken on some decent performers, including a victory over recent dual winner Flintoff.

This looks a good opportunity to add to that success.

Haydock's chances of racing hang in the balance and, if it passes its inspection, conditions will be ripe for some shock results.

I'd rate MISTER McGOLDRICK (Haydock, 1.25) as a very solid each-way option in the Bonusprint.com Champion Hurdle Trial.

He has been second for the last two years and handles testing going better than most.

In the Peter Marsh Chase, SNAKEBITE (Haydock, 1.55) may turn out to be really well handicapped.

Top novice chaser Denman beat him 12 lengths at Newbury's Hennessy meeting which would put Denman in this race on about 11st and starting at a very short SP.

I rate Irish Raptor but think talented Turpin Green, who almost refused in one run last season and was a Hennessy flop, has too many issues to answers.

SELECTIONS:

MISTER McGOLDRICK (Haydock, 1.25)

SNAKEBITE (Haydock, 1.55)

PRINCIPE AZZURRO (Wincanton, 2.15)

BLACK HILLS (Wincanton, 2.50)

THE HAIRY LEMON (Wincanton, 4.25)