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Nigel Twiston-Davies on Stratford weather watch

ESHER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06:  Daryl Jacob riding Bristol De Mai clear the last to win the Betfred Tv Scilly Isles Novices' Steeple Chase at Sandown.
Image: Daryl Jacob riding Bristol De Mai

Nigel Twiston-Davies is praying for rain to allow Bristol De Mai the opportunity to make his seasonal reappearance at Stratford on Saturday.

The six-year-old was a hugely impressive winner of the Peter Marsh Chase at Cheltenham in January, but disappointed in the Denman Chase at Newbury before finishing seventh in Gold Cup in March.

He was well beaten on his final start of the campaign at Aintree and could have his sights lowered in a two-mile-five-furlong handicap chase this weekend, providing conditions are suitable.

Twiston-Davies said: "We definitely need rain to run at Stratford, but there is rain about. It wants to be good to soft or soft.

"He is going to have a run then he will go for the Betfair Chase at Haydock."

Twiston-Davies was pleased with Wholestone's comeback effort at Chepstow on Saturday.

The six-year-old was was favourite for the Silver Trophy and was beaten into fourth place, but the Naunton handler expects that run to leave him spot-on for the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby on November 4.

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He said: "That was fine. They walked early on then sprinted and that didn't quite suit him over two-three, but he ran a very good race.

"He will now go up to Wetherby for the West Yorkshire Hurdle. The step back up to three miles will suit him."

High-class hurdler Ballyandy made a successful start to his career over fences at Perth late last month, but will not be rushed back to the track.

"We will look at something early in December," Twiston-Davies added.

"I thought he was very good at Perth and I was delighted with the way he jumped and everything else.

"He will run over two or two and a half miles. We will mix and match and go wherever the races are easier."

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