Old Guard aiming to shine in Lanzarote heat

Old Guard heads a field of 14 horses declared for the 32Red Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday. The six-year-old won both the Greatwood Hurdle and the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last season and while he kicked off the current campaign over fences, he soon reverted to the smaller obstacles. He was a distant third when defending his International Hurdle crown at Prestbury Park last month and must concede weight all round on his first start in a handicap in well over a year. Trainer Paul Nicholls also saddles Modus as he bids for a third success in this prestigious event following theprevious victories ofNycteos (2008) andSaphir Du Rheu (2014). Ante-post favourite Doesyourdogbite puts his unbeaten record over jumps on the line for Jonjo O'Neill and Aidan Coleman.The five-year-old won twice on the Flat for trainer Andrew Hollinshead and has completed a hat-trick since joining O'Neill with wins at Market Rasen, Hereford and over this course and distance.Jaleo made a successful start for Ben Pauling at Lingfield last month and is joined in the field by stable companion Local Show.Other contenders include the Venetia Williams-trained Bennys King and Lord Of The Island from Fergal O'Brien's stable.Nicky Henderson is not represented after deciding against declaring Protek Des Flos and Argante.