3 minute read

Stuart Crawford is keeping his fingers crossed Fine Rightly arrives in good time for the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

The Larne handler is planning to make the trip across the Irish Sea on Friday with his 10-year-old, but with Northern Ireland currently affected by the cold snap, Crawford admits travel arrangements have been made a bit more difficult.

He said: "It's going to be a bit touch and go with the weather. Hopefully we can get away early in the morning. The forecast is for a bit more snow overnight and tomorrow. He's had a couple of good runs so far this year and hopefully he can get a bit of luck and we get there in good time."

Fine Rightly, who placed at Grade One level in 2016, is one of 13 declarations for the extended three-mile-one-furlong heat.

Philip Hobbs' Rock The Kasbah, who sidestepped a Welsh National run, is among the leading contenders along with the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Tintern Theatre.

Tommy Whittle Chase hero Captain Redbeard will be aiming for a big Haydock double for trainer Stuart Coltherd, while James Moffatt's Highland Lodge and Forest Des Aigles, who is seeking a four-timer for Lucinda Russell, are other leading candidates.