It’s a real heavyweight afternoon of racing action in Britain on Saturday with Haydock and Ascot taking centre stage.
The meeting of Shishkin and Energumene at Ascot takes top billing, but Haydock boasts plenty graded action, including the next appearance of a certain Jonbon.
They race from 12.50pm-4.15pm on Merseyside, with conditions set to be Soft (Heavy in places).
Watch all the action, as well as every race from the UK and Ireland, via live streaming when logged into MansionBet. Our tipster has a race-by-race look at the Haydock card.
12.50 – Patrick Coyne Memorial Altcar Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m4f)
Papa Tango Charly looks every inch a progressive chaser for Jonjo O’Neill and his jumping was a major asset last time at Carlisle. He’s got rock-solid claims. Minella Drama and Hardy Du Seuil are others to ponder but SHAKEM UP’ARRY could be one to improve past some of them. He was a course winner five weeks ago over an extended two-miles on his second chase start and did that with plenty in hand. If he handles this increased trip he is a player.
Selection: Shakem Up’arry @ 4/1
1.25 – Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2, 1m7½f)
Here comes the JONBON express. This particular Nicky Henderson inmate has come with plenty fanfare owing to his price tag and family ties. He hasn’t done anything wrong thus far, though his two hurdles wins have come in slowly-run races. He has to give 5lb to the useful Might I here, while Richmond Lake isn’t dismissed entirely either. Chances are Jonbon will put them away and set himself up for the Supreme at Cheltenham in March.
Selection: Jonbon @ 2/5
2.00 – New One Unibet Hurdle (Grade 2, 1m7½f)
A Champion Hurdle Trial that seemingly lacks any serious contenders for the two-mile Championship race. TOMMY’S OSCAR however won’t mind that if he bags a fourth successive win and his first at graded level. Ann Hamilton’s charge is in flying form and carried a big weight to victory at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day. He should have too much for veteran Hunters Call.
Selection: Tommy’s Oscar @ 8/13
2.35 – Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Grade 2 Limited Handicap, 3m1½f)
Last year’s winner Royale Pagaille is back for another go from a 7lb higher mark. The Venetia Williams string are in fine fettle and he was second to A Plus Tard in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase over C&D on his comeback, albeit a distant second. He has his chance but he’s conceding a lot of weight. Remastered was second in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day and is feared for David Pipe but EMPIRE STEEL was moving very menacingly in that same race when he came down four out. He could be capable of much better if getting around safely.
Selection: Empire Steel @ 9/2
3.10 – Stuart Whittle’s 40th Birthday Handicap Hurdle (3m)
THE BRIMMING WATER came clear with Unexpected Party to win at Wetherby on Boxing Day and the runner-up may have already dealt that form a boost in Ascot’s 1.45 contest today by the time Sam Drinkwater’s charge lines up here. Both look to have more to offer and a 7lb rise might not prevent further success here with this increased trip to suit Sam Twiston-Davies mount.
Selection: The Brimming Water @ 11/4
3.45 – Smalley Decorators Handicap Chase (2m)
Gallic Geordie was only denied a four-timer by mere pixels at Newcastle in midweek but that was a real scrap from some way out and he’s only had four days to get over it. THOMAS MACDONAGH produced a much better showing at this venue last month over 2m5½f in first-time cheekpieces (replaced by blinkers today) and it’s interesting to see him dropped to the minimum for the first time over jumps on the back of that run.
Selection: Thomas McDonagh @ 4/1
4.15 – Plank Lane Handicap Hurdle (1m7½f)
Sacre Pierre looked like a major threat to the eventual winner at Doncaster last month only to come down at the final flight on his handicap bow. Donald McCain’s charge will have leading claims if avoiding mishaps now.
FEIVEL won a Hexham maiden (2m4f, soft) at the start of December in game fashion and Dr Richard Newland’s charge likely paid a tariff at Fakenham on New Year’s Day for helping set a fast pace in front over the same trip. The handicapper has eased him 3lb on foot of that and, down in trip, he’s got more to offer in all probability.
Selection: Feivel @ 4/1
*All odds correct at time of writing