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/ Timeform / 09 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Prospects for Betfair's Super Saturday card remain in the balance
"Zarkandar is Timeform top-rated..."
Despite doubts still lingering as to whether the meeting will beat the frost, a field of 22 has been declared for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.
Only Sailors Warn and Orzare were taken out at the 48-hour stage for one of the richest hurdle races in Europe.
Paul Nicholls seems to hold all the aces with Triumph Hurdle winner Zarkandar making his seasonal reappearance under Ruby Walsh, who was given a last-minute reprieve from a suspension by the rescheduling of the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase from Sandown.
The top weight Brampour also hails from Nicholls' yard, as does Daryl Jacob's mount, Empire Levant.
With Edward O'Grady deciding against bringing Sailors Warn, Irish hopes now rest solely on the shoulders of Final Approach.
Willie Mullins' County Hurdle winner returned to winning ways last time out having tried his hand in Grade 1 company previously.
Jonjo O'Neill will be hoping for a change of luck following the news that Synchronised will miss Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup and he runs Get Me Out Of Here, who was just touched off by Final Approach at Cheltenham.
Brian Ellison has two representatives, Marsh Warbler and Abergavenny.
Nicky Henderson has a good record in races of this nature and has the unbeaten Darlan, Soldatino and Ericht engaged.
Ladbroke Hurdle winner Raya Star, from Alan King's yard, the Gary Moore duo of Sire de Grugy and Via Galilei and Colin Tizzard's Third Intention will also have plenty of followers.
Zarkandar is Timeform top-rated and is currently trading as [4.6] favourite for the Betfair Handicap Hurdle, a race that also features Olofi, Ubi Ace, Desert Cry and Ciceron among the big field.
...........
Timeform Horses to Follow Extra for Betfair Super Saturday at Newbury is out now. Includes 5 big-race previews and an interview with Paul Nicholls.
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