Hardy could go to Ascot on Saturday Hardy Eustace could bid for a third win in the Coral Ascot Hurdle on Saturday if the ground is suitable. Dessie Hughes's veteran, winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005, took this prize at the Berkshire track in 2006 and 2007. He is among a 17-strong entry for the Grade Two heat over two miles, three and a half furlongs. "He's a possibility if they don't get too much rain," said Hughes. "If it was too soft I wouldn't bring him. He's in very good form." Katchit, the 2008 Champion Hurdle victor, holds an entry along with another Alan King charge, Karabak. The latter was second to Mikael D'Haguenet in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle. With several winners at Plumpton on Monday, King can start planning with renewed confidence. "Mine have not really got going yet, but it's nice to get some winners on the board and I'll be taking quite a big team to Ascot," he said. "Karabak and Katchit will both run. Karabak has really improved while I have been very happy with Katchit. "I messed it up with him last season when I ran him at Wincanton and I want to go three miles with him. "This is the obvious place to start and we'll take it from there." Along with Sentry Duty, Zaynar, winner of this year's Triumph Hurdle, is one of two entries from Nicky Henderson's yard and is the 5-2 favourite with the sponsors on the opening show. David Pipe is double-handed with Lough Derg and Mr Thriller, Noel Meade has three possibles in Aitmatov, Muirhead and Silverhand, while others in the list include Donald McCain's Whiteoak and the Charlie Mann-trained Wendel. "This is the fourth year that Coral has sponsored the Ascot Hurdle and undoubtedly the strongest set of entries we have had in that time," said Simon Clare, Coral spokesman. "Zaynar proved himself a top-class horse last season but faces a serious examination from the likes of Mr Thriller, Karabak, Katchit and co on his seasonal reappearance." Coral Ascot Hurdle: sponsors bet: 5-2 Zaynar, 4-1 Mr Thriller, 5-1 Karabak, 7-1 Katchit, 9-1 Whiteoak, 12-1 Sentry Duty, 16-1 Elusive Dream, 20-1 Time For Rupert, Hardy Eustace, Wendel, 25-1 Red Moloney, Straw Bear, Lough Derg.
