Broadway Buffalo has second Tommy Whittle Chase in his sights

David Pipe has his fingers crossed Broadway Buffalo can overcome a lengthy absence and win the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase for a second time at Haydock on Saturday.

The nine-year-old lifted this prize in 2014, but has been sidelined since finishing second in the Grand National Trial on this course in February 2016. Pipe reports Broadway Buffalo to be ready for a return to action.

"Obviously he's got some very good form, but he's been off for a long time," said the Nicholashayne handler.

"He's done plenty of work and he'll have his conditions. He loves the track and he's got some good form round there.

"He seems to be showing the same enthusiasm at home. Hopefully he will do on the track."

He added: "It's been frustrating with him. His legs wouldn't be the best in the world, but touch wood he's in good form and hopefully will run well."

Broadway Buffalo was six when successful three years ago and Full Irish represents that age group this time round.

Emma Lavelle's charge got off the mark over fences at the second attempt in convincing fashion at Lingfield four weeks ago, and the trainer feels he is ready to step up in grade and take on more seasoned performers.

"The soft ground will definitely play to his strengths," said the Marlborough handler.

"He looked a nice horse at Lingfield. Obviously, he's in big boys' company on Saturday, but I'm very happy with him. He seems in really good order and I'm looking forward to seeing him run.

"It's taken us a bit of time to learn about him, but he showed at Lingfield that very soft ground and that sort of trip plays to his strengths."

Nick Alexander has had this contest as the next target for Lake View Lad after the seven-year-old opened his account over fences earlier this month.

"We're looking forward to running him. He's in great fettle," said the Fife handler.

"This race immediately sprang to mind after he won at Newcastle.

"He should love the ground, he should love the trip and like the track. Fingers crossed, he'll run well.

"This was the number one priority. He was entered in a couple of other races over Christmas but that was just to cover ourselves with the weather really."

Dr Richard Newland believes the shorter distance will suit Catamaran Du Seuil after the five-year-old ran well for a long way at the Merseyside course last month, before fading out of contention after the third-last in the near three-and a-quarter-mile race won by Chase The Spud.

"He's in good form. He seemed to like the heavy ground up at Haydock last time and the drop in trip will help him," said Newland.

"Whether he's got the beating of what looks a very good field, I don't know. We'll give it a go."