Mike Francis enjoyed seeing two old favourites battling it out for top spot in the hurdles charts this month

AN old friend is top of the hurdles speed figures this month with PAIS-LEY PARK clocking a 133 in his narrow defeat by DASHEL DRASHER (127) in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month. He was giving his rival 6lb so it was an excellent effort to be beaten just a head. They are likely to meet again at least once more this season and there won’t be much between them again. A levelling of the weights could see the form turned around. Of the younger brigade, HANSA...