King is hoping to catch Baracouda

All eyes will be on the rematch between Baracouda and Crystal d'Ainay in the Long Walk Hurdle at Windsor on Saturday with many home supporters hoping that the latter can lower the French raider's colours.

However, Alan King, trainer of Crystal d'Ainay is ultra-realistic about his gelding's chance against Baracouda, who has won the race four times in the last five years.

Baracouda wore down his rival to win by threequarters of a length when they clashed at Newbury last month and in a frank moment yesterday King said: "My fellow is very well. He worked fine this morning over five furlongs on the grass uphill with a stiff gallop, the usual routine Wednesday work.

"He's in very good form but he'll bloody well have to be!"

Asked if the son of Saint Preuil had a realistic chance of defeating Baracouda, who will be partnered by champion jockey Tony McCoy, King replied: "I think we will give him a race but I'm not sure we can beat him. He doesn't get beaten very often, does he?

"I'll talk about possible tactics on Saturday, but usually, if you make plans to ride to beat one horse, something comes along and does the pair of you."

King emphasised that the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is Crystal d'Ainay's main target.

In comparison Baracouda's connections seem upbeat. Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "He has always performed well on his first outing but I would expect he will come on a bit from his Newbury run. He is obviously the horse to beat."