BARACOUDA SCRAPES HOME Baracouda survived a scare at Fontwell today to save his trainer Francois Doumen from another embarrassing pre-Cheltenham turn-up. The French ace hung on by a neck from Solo Mio after looking in serious danger of being passed on the run-in in the Collins Stewart National Spirit Hurdle. Earlier in the month, the Doumen-trained Tote Gold Cup favourite First Gold had suffered a shock reverse at Newbury. 'I`m pleased he was 80 per cent fit and not 79 per cent fit or it could have been a different result,' said Doumen. 'The race might have been bad for my nerves but I`m sure it was good for the horse and this will put him at his peak for Cheltenham.' Baracouda, racing for the first time in the colours of his new owner JP McManus, was quoted at 4-7 to cement his position as favourite for Cheltenham`s Royal & SunAlliance Novices` Hurdle. All appeared to be going to plan as the favourite swept past Hulysse Royal between the last two after shrugging off errors at the fifth and second last. But Thierry Doumen, a winner at this unusual course as a raw 16-year-old, soon realised he had a fight on his hands. Solo Mio, a 20-1 chance, posed a real threat and Doumen had to pull out all the stops to ensure victory. 'My son said he would have won easily but the horse thought he had done enough when he hit the front,' said Doumen senior. 'I don`t think you can say he struggled - the horse just dropped down a gear when he thought the race was over. 'It`s a sharp course here - it has a different rhythm - and I`m sure Cheltenham will suit him better.' Doumen is still to confirm Baracouda`s Festival target but with McManus likely to be represented in the Stayers` Hurdle by Youlneverwalkalone, the Royal & SunAlliance Novices` Hurdle is the most likely target. Coral have eased Baracouda to 4-5 (from 4-6) for that event.
