Bradburne is hoping to make amends

Jump jockey Mark Bradburne will get the chance to answer his critics in the best possible manner at Ascot this Saturday when he climbs back aboard Palarshan in the Victor Chandler Chase.

Bradburne came in for considerable flak from callers to Attheraces over Christmas after being short-headed on Henry Daly's Hand Inn Hand in a valuable handicap chase at Kempton.

However, the young Scotsman enjoyed one of his biggest successes aboard Palarshan in the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham last March and was looking forward to another after partnering the six-year-old at Daly's Ludlow base today.

"I rode Palarshan in a racecourse gallop at Stratford last week and he felt in great form when I schooled him earlier today," he said.

"It looks like Richard Johnson is heading to Haydock to ride Rooster Booster, in which case I hope to ride Palarshan again, and although I'm under no illusions about taking on the likes of Azertyuiop he has a lot to recommend him.

"Henry was extremely keen on his chance in the Grand Annual and although I got teased for coming very wide he really quickened up coming down the hill to win decisively. He's a very sound jumper, which is a big asset in top handicaps, and provided he gets a bit of luck I would hope he can run really well."

Barry Geraghty has been booked to ride the Irish raider Native Scout in Saturday's big race but faces a hungry few days in order to make the weight of 10st 4lb.