Ruby at Haydock for frustrating Fistral Ruby Walsh's sole booked mount for Saturday is Fistral Beach in the Betfred Daffodil Vase Handicap Chase at Haydock. This fellow ended a frustrating spell by winning at Kempton in January. Going into that contest he had been a beaten favourite no less than eight times in a row. Again he headed the betting, for his next start, that being in the Racing Post Chase, also at Kempton, the following month. However there was further bad luck here when the son of Definite Article blundered and unseated rider at the second fence. Testing conditions are something the seven-year-old relishes and he is thought to be quite well-handicapped. Indeed Ruby Walsh had to survive on little more than fresh air to do ten stone on Fistral Beach in the Racing Post Chase. His trainer, Paul Nicholls (only runner of the day) is on record as saying that he thought Graham Roach's gelding was going to be a star at one stage and tomorrow he is set to shoulder 10st 13Ibs. From the family of Wahiba Sands, this good big sort, has nine rivals for this valuable two and a half miler. Well-known pair, Will Be Done (Jason Maguire) and Mister McGoldrick (Paddy Brennan) are at the top of the handicap, followed by Lease Lend (Richie McGrath), who is chasing a four-timer. The next two in are Charlie Mann's Montgermont (Timmy Murphy) and Saphir Des Bois (Tony McCoy). Salut Flo (Tom Scudamore), a mere five-year-old by that good French stallion, Saint Des Saints, is seeking a hat-trick and David Pipe's contender is on the same mark as Fistral Beach. "He's been fine since Doncaster. Obviously he's a lot higher in the handicap and ground conditions will be completely different," said David Pipe of Salut Flo. "It's a new race they've put on and seems to be well supported. "I don't think it was a great race he won at Doncaster but having said that the second (Soulard) has come out and franked the form. It is competitive tomorrow." Prince De Beauchene, Heathcote and Stormin Exit complete the line-up.
