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Zaynar heads Coral select eight.

Ridden by Andrew Tinkler deputising for Barry Gerrity, Nicky Henderson's JCB Triumph Hurdle winner Zaynar faces a difficult task to maintain his unbeaten record in tomorrow's Coral Hurdle at Ascot. Amongst his rivals main danger would appear to come from the Alan King pairing of Karabak and Catch It. The former was a leading novice last season, and finished as a strong second in the Ballymore

Properties Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and while Catch It Had a poor season, and could not repeat his Champion Hurdle success of 2008, connections in the King stable indicate he looks back to

his best in pre season training, and they believe tomorrow's extended two miles three furlongs trip will act as a potential stepping stone up to extended racing distances.

In addition to Karabak, top Irish owner J P Mcmanus will also be represented by former top hurdler Straw Bear, the latter reverting to hurdling after yet another failed attempt as a steeplechaser.

With Tom Scudamore on duty at Haydock Park, former Coral Hurdle winner Loch Derg will be

accompanied in Saturday's race by Richard Johnston.

Amlin 1965 Chase could be a good guide.

With the Haldon Gold Cup winner Planet of Sound taking on former Champion Chaser Voy Por

Ustedes, and Old Roan Chase winner Monet's Garden also in the mix, tomorrow's Grade 2 Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot could provide the definitive early season guide to the potential top middle distance steeplechaser for the 2009 2010 national hunt season.

While Planete of Sound and Monet's Garden have already proved their well-being with respective comprehensive victories at Exeter and Aintree, Alan King is adamant Voy Por Ustedes has been nothing short of spectacular in his pre season training, and he expects the former Champion Chaser to put in a big run in tomorrow's Ascot chasing centrepiece.

However, Dessie Hughes believes Schindlers Hunt's four pound pull with Voy Por Ustedes for a head defeat in last April's Melling Chase at Aintree gives his charge an ideal opportunity to reverse the

placings, particularly as his nine-year-old has already had the benefit of a run over hurdles earlier this season.

Nicholls not phased by soft ground for Kauto.

In an interview today, Paul Nicholls admitted he was glad Haydock Park had only received two millimetres of overnight rain, but he pointed out Kauto Star had already won five races in soft ground, so the conditions for tomorrow's Betfair Chase at the Merseyside venue did not worry him in any way.

"They all have to cope with it, and Kauto Star goes into tomorrow's race fresh and ready for action. He has proved with first race victories in previous season's, he does not need a preparation race like Masterminded, and having by-passed Down Royal this year, I am confident he has what it takes to cope with the likes of Notra Pere and Imperial Commander in tomorrow's race".

Gowran Park to hold early morning inspection.

With ground currently described as 'heavy', Gowran Park officials are anxiously watching out for the extent of tonights forecast rain, and they will hold an 8.00 a m inspection on Saturday morning to decide if tomorrow's planned card can go ahead.

Cumani issues Presvis warning.

Newmarket based trainer Luca Cumani has confirmed today, Presvis will not be fully wound-up for his seasonal opener in Saturday's Betdaq Churchill Stakes at Lingfield Park.

"Although he has completed plenty of training work, with the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup as his main target next month, he goes into Saturday's race with plenty still to work on, and having to give a minimum of six pounds to Listed winners like Tranquil Tiger and General Elliot, I cannotr be sure he will be fit enough to stamp his authority in his first race in nearly nine months".

Extra meeting for Thurles.

Following cancellations caused by the recent inclement weather, Horse Racing Ireland have confirmed Thurles racecourse will host a replacement national hunt fixture on Friday 27 November 2009.

This means Thurles will stage racing on both Thursday 26 November and Friday 27 November. The Thursday card will feature five steeplechases and one bumper race, while Friday's card will feature seven hurdle races.

Holdem to return for another Cheltenham run.

Having already finished third in two Cheltenham races so far this season, including an excellent performance last Saturday when finishing behind Tranquil Sea and Poquelin in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, it would seem connections are attempting a third time lucky policy, for according to trainer Keith Goldsworthy, Holdem is now being prepared for a re-appearance at Cheltenham in the boylesports.com Gold Cup on 12 December.

Motivator to miss 2010 stud duties.

Reported to be still recovering from an operation to repairr a damaged tendon which was undertaken in Septemb er, it seems connections involved with 2005 Epsom Derby winner Motivator have decided the best policy is to give him an entire year to recover, and accordingly, it has been confirmed the stallion will not undertake his stud duties during the whole of 2010.

Naaqoos heads to stud.

A winner of the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere as a two-year-old, the Fredie Head trained Naaqoos failed to get his head in front in his three races as a three-year-old, but his major success at the highest level as a juvenile has ensured him a place at stud, and he is reported to be taking up his new career with immediate effect.

Intrepid Jack moves to United States for minor stud duties.

After a five year sprint career which saw him win at Group 3 level with trainer Hughie Morrison, Intrepid Jack is to move on to America, where he will commence new duties as a 'teaser' stallion in the new year.