With Ascot and Taunton both falling prey to the cold weather we are left with one turf meeting today at Haydock. It is a classy card containing four Group 2 races. We are going to look at one of them plus a competitive handicap.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright reported: “Temperatures were -1C and we wouldn’t have wanted any more frost. We’ve been dry since Wednesday, the sun is out and it’s set to a bright, dry day. The ground is soft and it’s not going to be as testing as your traditional Haydock in January.”

3.15 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2)

 A reasonably case can be made for 10 of the 14 runners.

Difficult to price with the form of ex French trained Alary difficult to evaluate in the context of today’s race.

Definitly Red put up his best performance when winning at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

However that form line also puts Bristol De Mai, Otago Trail and Bishops Road in the mix.

I’m 11/2 the field on my provisional tissue.

Bishops Road can go well at double figure odds.

3.50 Racing UK Club Day Today Handicap Chase (CLASS 3)

Trip could be too short for the returning Wuff who has been out for a year.

Back By Midnight needs to sharpen up his jumping.

Ubaltique is handicapped to go close, but finds little for pressure.

Pistol Park is improving but is priced accordingly.

Imjoeking is my e/w preference at 7/1+. His latest run is solid form and conditions are fine.

The major festival meetings in Britain and Ireland are getting closer. Special terms now available for the rest of the jumps campaign and longer term. For details go to: www.slh.co.uk