Miko chasing Haydock prize

Andrew Thornton is looking to win his second major prize of the season on Miko De Beauchene in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock tomorrow.

Thornton was on board the eight-year-old for a heart-warming success in the Welsh National in December, which was the perfect tonic for handler Robert Alner, who continues to make steady progress in hospital following a serious car accident.

That success came off a featherweight but tomorrow Miko De Beauchene will have to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb – not that Thornton is unduly upset.

“It’s maybe not so good for the horse but it’s a bit better for me!” quipped the jockey.

“Heavy ground isn’t essential to him as he is a good-moving horse and he is not slow by any means. The fact that the ground isn’t as testing might just help him with top weight.

“When you look down it is a bit of a compressed handicap, apart from a couple down the bottom. Obviously it is not ideal but somebody has to carry top weight.

“The handicapper thinks he is the best horse in the race and hopefully he might have a bit of improvement still in him – he’s only had five races over fences. I’m looking forward to it.

“He’s run well twice at Haydock behind Cloudy Lane over hurdles so the track won’t bother him and he loves going left-handed.

“Fingers crossed he’ll put up a sound performance, but whether he will be good enough to win only time will tell.”

Thornton also had news of Alner after he paid his boss a visit on Thursday evening.

“I saw him last night after Chepstow and there is still improvement,” said Thornton.

“All being well he is getting moved to Odstock next week, which is great news, as much for Robert as it is for Sally.

“He’s in good spirits and the horses are in great form, which helps. He still has plenty of input.

“I went to see him for some last minute instructions about Miko and all he said was ’win’, so I said I’d see what I could do!”