Horse Racing: Punjabi looks set to head for Haydock's Champion Hurdle

CONNECTIONS of Punjabi hope to run last year's Champion Hurdle winner at Haydock on Saturday week.

They feel the sportingbet.com Champion Hurdle Trial will suit the Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old.

"Nicky Henderson told me earlier in the week that he much prefers next Saturday's hurdling option – Haydock's Champion Hurdle Trial," said Tony Stafford, racing manager to owner Raymond Tooth. "Class One jumps winners are penalised 8lb with half penalties for winners of novice Class One races."

"Haydock would seem an ideal track for Ray Tooth's star, level and with a decent run home.

"Punjabi's last win, apart from the Champion Hurdle, came over the very similar Wetherby track in the re-routed 2008 WBX.COM Fighting Fifth Hurdle."

A run at this time would be ideal for Punjabi, who was fourth to Khyber Kim in the Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham on his first start of the winter campaign last month.