Baracouda set for surprise Sandown run
The nine-year-old was aimed at the race last year but the prospect of bad weather and the possibility of the meeting being called off persuaded connections to keep the gelding at home in France.
However, Doumen said yesterday: “I missed the race last year so I decided to run this year.
“He is a different horse this year and I feel that I should enjoy running him.”
Baracouda, who has been defeated only once in his last 14 starts, is on a hat-trick in the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival, for which he is a general even-money chance.
A total of 20 entries have been made for the £60,000 Sandown contest, which is over two miles and six furlongs.
Rhinestone Cowboy heads the 14 entries for the Agfa Hurdle on the same card.
If lining up in the £25,000 Listed contest, Jonjo O’Neill’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle hope will be having his first start since disappointing at Leopardstown over Christmas when sixth of seven behind Golden Cross in the Bewleys Hotels December Festival Hurdle when sent off the 11-10 favourite. O’Neill remains baffled by the horse’s poor performance.
