BARACOUDA'S bid for a record fourth success in the Long Walk Hurdle looks set fair to reach fruition in the £75,000 contest at Windsor.

Following the retirement of his former regular jockey, Thierry Doumen, who is now pursuing a training career, Tony McCoy was asked to take over the reins on the French star by Thierry's father, Francois.

Even McCoy, arguably the greatest jump jockey of all time, must have been a touch apprehensive when he and Baracouda began their new partnership at Newbury's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup meeting in November.

But any fears were swiftly allayed as the cross-channel raider once again demonstrated terrific fighting qualities to deny Alan King's young pretender to the stayers' hurdle crown, Crystal d'Ainay.

"I think the two of them will fight it out again," said McCoy.

"Crystal d'Ainay is an improver and he is definitely the danger, although it was Baracouda's first run of the season and I hope that he'll come on for it.

"He seems to cope with most things so I shouldn't think the switch from Ascot (closed for redevelopment) to Windsor will be a problem. He's not a slow horse and he stays - he's the perfect racehorse really,"

If there is to be an upset, the Irish raider Rule Supreme could prove to be the fly in the ointment for Baracouda.

Any further rain might enhance the prospects of Rule Supreme, who showed his mettle by winning this year's Royal & Sun Alliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, form which deserves the greatest respect.

Get more on racing at our Racing North site.