Whilst we have Good to Soft ground at Ascot and Huntingdon, the going at Haydock will be Heavy. The track has had further rain this morning and can expect a little more this afternoon. Haydock is a course that trainers would expect and sometimes  hope for that extra cut in the ground as shown by the current low level of non-runners.

Two races for us to look at starting with the opener:

12.10 Haydock Read Paul Nicholls Exclusively On Betfair Handicap Hurdle (CLASS 3)

Clyne impressed when last seen and will be suited by conditions.

Baby King disappointed after winning this race last year. He goes well fresh and is expected to figure.

Verni isn’t an easy ride, but has the champion jockey on board and can progress.

My tissue:

Clyne 3/1

Baby King 3/1

Verni  3/1

Baratineur 5/1

16/1 bar

 

1.50 Haydock Betfair Price Rush Hurdle (CLASS 2)

Just the four to post to contest the winner’s prize of just on £62,000 with all of them guaranteed to take home a share of the overall prize.

Old Guard has a bit to prove after scrambling home in a chase on latest start.

Ch’tibello isn’t sure to be suited by testing ground.

Melodic Rendezvous is at his best in heavy ground, but looked to regress at the end of last season.

My Tent Or Yours sets the standard, although ground conditions are not ideal.

I price the four as follows:

My Tent  1/1

Old Guard  3/1

Ch’tibello  7/1

Melodic  Rendezvous  7/1

On the Haydock card we see the welcome return of the sparkling 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree. Let’s hope he stays fit and can be an important player this season.

It is an intriguing and informative day of racing at all three jumps fixtures plus there are a few at Punchestown that will be of interest for the future.