Lynch eyes Betfair success

Andrew Lynch will pilot Jim Dreaper's Notre Pere in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in a bid to secure his first Grade One victory on British soil.

The 25-year-old jockey has become more established over the past couple of seasons partly thanks to Dreaper's gelding, who gave him success in the Coral Welsh National and the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

Lynch has partnered ante-post Arkle Trophy favourite Sizing Europe this season and brought home his first Cheltenham winner on Loosen My Load.

A bad fall at Ballinrobe last year saw Lynch sustain serious injuries and the jockey admits success at Haydock would be an outstanding achievement, particularly with Paul Nicholls-trained favourite Kauto Star blocking the way.

"I'm really looking forward to it and the way it's looking at the moment, the ground looks as though it should be in our favour," said Lynch.

"He was still going well when he fell at Down Royal the last day but it was still a long way out, so it is difficult to say whether he'd have won or not.

"Kauto Star is obviously going to be tough to beat, but you should never be afraid of one horse.

"It would have been better if our horse had had a proper race in Down Royal, but he seems to have come out of it in good form and it would be fantastic if he could go and win at Haydock."

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: "We kept Notre Pere on side when betting opened but have been forced to cut him as he will surely get no better chance off beating Kauto Star as he acts so well on this ground."

Respect

Meanwhile, Tom Scudamore is looking forward to getting the leg up on David Pipe's Madison Du Berlais, but has the utmost respect for the opposition.

"It's very exciting and I'm looking forward to it. I went down the other day to have a sit on him and it's all systems go," said the jockey.

"Obviously Kauto Star is a fantastic horse and Notre Pere should like the ground, but it's a Grade One race and you've got to expect to be taking on the high quality horses.

"My horse goes on any ground, so there won't be any excuses on that front."

Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by last year's Paddy Power Gold Cup and Ryanair Chase scorer Imperial Commander.

"We're very much looking forward to it and the horse is in great form," said the Naunton handler.

"It was soft ground when he won the Paddy Power last year and that was over two miles and five furlongs - on a stiff track with a hill at the end - so I'm not too concerned about the trip or ground."