Baracouda Misses Weekend Prep Baracouda is likely to face Limestone Lad in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 13th, without the benefit of a prep run. The defending champion had created quite a stir when appearing among the entries for the Tote Scoop6 Handicap Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday but will now miss that engagement.Heading the handicap off 11st 12Ib (a mark of 168), the French trained gelding's participation would have left every other runner out of the handicap.Reportedly the prospect of bad weather and the feeling that the eight-year-old does not need to see racecourse action again before the showdown in the Cotswolds, has swayed connections into bypassing the Sandown contest. J P McManus' charge remains favourite in the majority of ante-post lists for the Stayers' crown.
