BRILLIANT ZAYNAR RULES AT ASCOT

January 20 2010

Zaynar - superb at Ascot.

Zaynar ensured he is not to be the forgotten member of Nicky Henderson's formidable team with an emphatic victory in the Coral Ascot Hurdle.

In just about any other yard the grey would be by far and away the leading Champion Hurdle hope, but Henderson already has this year's first and third Punjabi and Binocular to conjure with.

Zaynar is younger than his illustrious stable companions but has not met with defeat in four outings, including when taking the Triumph at the Festival, and there was genuine star quality about the way he drew six lengths clear of Karabak, the fellow 9-4 joint-favourite.

Coral make Zaynar a 6-1 shot for the Champion behind 7-2 leader Binocular, although Ladbrokes offer 8s.

"That was a slick performance," said Henderson.

"In fairness, we always said this would be his starting point and we've had to juggle Punjabi and Binocular, although it's nice to have them.

"The obvious question I am going to be asked is where he goes next, and I haven't got a clue.

"The way he has quickened up suggests he doesn't want to be going three miles yet, and I'd be very surprised if we're talking Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

"I might say something else after Christmas, although I rather hope I don't. This is always a difficult year for horses and that is a tough race for a five-year-old."

The ride on Zaynar was one to treasure for Andrew Tinkler, very much a team-player at Henderson's Seven Barrows.