The Pertemps Network Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Haydock

I'm usually in hibernation mode at this time of year but I've just seen Sam Twiston-Davies on TV - in a suit - posing with winning connections after East India Dock won the Chester Cup earlier today; and the opener on tomorrow's mixed card at Haydock, the Pertemps Network Long Distance Handicap Hurdle (1.00), has somehow delayed my rostered summer slumbers... Those looking for some light relief at this time of year may prefer to take a look at the Canadian Online Casino but for those who prefer to talk form, there's this.

In last year's renewal Zain Nights (125) beat My Bobby Dazzler (121) a head with Harbour Lake (129) three and a quarter lengths adrift in third.

The trio do battle once again, having contested the Safran Landing Systems Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham 24 days ago. 

On that occasion Long Draw (128) beat Harbour Lake (137) two lengths with My Bobby Dazzler (119) over 12 lengths further behind in fourth and Zain Nights (132) another eight lengths adrift in fifth.

Adjusted ratings for those runners in tomorrow's renewal are:

Long Draw (134) +6

Harbour Lake (140) +3

My Bobby Dazzler (117) -2

Zain Nights (132) -

Winner Long Draw hit a couple of flat spots in that race at Cheltenham - at one point his chance looked to have gone completely - but he stayed on stoutly up the hill to claim the spoils; I can't help but feel a repeat of that performance on this flat track is likely to prove problematic.

Topgun Simmy won a three mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal off 129 on Monday - Paddy Hanlon claiming seven. He goes off 136 but will need to be a hardy sort to show his best in this better race; to date most of his form has been on right-handed tracks.

Tiny Tetley (132) bids to complete a four-timer, having started the sequence off on a mark of 114 at Exeter in March. This one beat Thank You Ma'am over course and distance three weeks ago; all his wins have come in races with less than nine runners.

This time last year Lihyan beat Porter In The Park at Market Rasen. 

Lihyan stays this trip but stable form is a concern while handler Emma Lavelle said of Porter In The Park [RP Weekender 29.01-02.02.25]:

"She's as hard as nails but not overly big and and is much better running in a better race with less weight. I'm not sure she genuinely stays 3m and her ideal trip is probably a good gallop over 2m 6f."    

Rated 80 on the Flat, Mostly Sunny appears well handicapped on 117 but he ran twice in the final week of the jumps season as trainer Dan Skelton valiantly tried to retain his dwindling lead in the jump trainers' title. Prior to that he was well beaten by Porter In The Park at Ludlow; he tries a trip beyond 2m 5f for the first time.  

Escapologist finished behind Mostly Sunny at Plumpton and tries a trip beyond an extended two and a half miles for the first time.

On the one occasion Patriotik raced on good ground, Evan Williams' charge finished well beaten behind Altobelli over a shorter trip at Ascot. On his penultimate start he showed a liking for drying ground, beating Kamsinas off 121 at Doncaster, and has been raised two pounds for his third behind Red Risk at Uttoxeter last time; in addition Isabel Williams no longer claims three so he's effectively five pounds higher here.  

Ki Woo (121) looks unexposed on his first run in a handicap. Beaten by Mailcash over a shorter trip in a maiden hurdle at Carlisle in February, he reversed the form with Donald McCain's charge over 2m 7f at Bangor four weeks ago.

On the longlist: Harbour Lake, Patriotik, Zain Nights, Ki Woo and My Bobby Dazzler.

The handicapper hasn't done Harbour Lake any favours, raising Alan King's charge to a career high of 140 after the Cheltenham run. 

Last year's winner Zain Nights remains on a career high mark; Lucy Wadham said of her charge [RP Weekender 19-23.03.25]:

"... I think he might just be a spring horse. He hasn't quite fired this season but he's been training really well. He ran in the Pertemps last week but didn't go a tap (pulled up behind Doddiethegreat at the Cheltenham Festival). Like so many he didn't get a very good start at Cheltenham and never got into the race. That can happen there. He's entered at Newbury on Friday and I think he'll run. He might find himself with a visor on."

The visor did the trick at Newbury where he beat Welcom To Cartries four and a quarter lengths. He ran better at Cheltenham behind Long Draw, leading after two out before weakening on the run-in.

I'm not certain Patriotik will show his best on good ground while Ki Woo isn't easy to assess. 

At ten years of age My Bobby Dazzler is certainly the veteran in the field but he ran well on his first run after wind surgery at Cheltenham and is now on a mark four pounds lower than last year when beaten a head by Zain Nights.

At the time of writing Zain Nights is generally a 9/1 shot while My Bobby Dazzler is 14/1; however bet365 stand out offering 20/1 about the latter.

My Bobby Dazzler is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 with bet365 paying four places. 

Whatever happens, come 1.15 I'm definitely going to engage hibernation mode. Honest.

The 2025 Grand National Trial at Haydock

Everybody agrees - this race isn't a trial for the Grand National in April, so it's time to call it something else.

Ten have been declared to run over the extended three and a half mile trip; the going at the Lancashire track is currently described as good to soft but light rain is forecast throughout the day tomorrow.

Top weight and course specialist Royal Pagaille takes his chance with the result that half of the field race from out of the handicap. 

During the day we have seen Val Dancer and Jubilee Express, first and second in the Welsh Grand National seven weeks ago, supplanted at the head of the market by Yeah Man and Git Maker.

Irish raider Yeah Man won this last year off a mark of 133 (with Famous Bridge unseating at the 17th fence when travelling well enough); Yeah Man goes off 144 tomorrow.

Git Maker races from five pounds out of the handicap off 133. 

Jamie Snowden's charge finished third off that mark in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April. On his first start this season he finished last of 12 in a handicap hurdle at Windsor four weeks ago; that looks like a preparatory run for this.

Val Dancer is six pounds 'wrong' at the weights, Jubilee Express eight, although Dylan Johnston's three pound claim reduces the deficit to five.

Royal Pagaille continues to drift in the market as he tries this trip for the first time. 

At the age of 11 it looks a stiff task conceding a minimum of 17 pounds to all opponents but his record at Haydock reads 112111P.  

On his penultimate start in the Betfair Chase in November his jumping wasn't quite as assured as we'd seen in the past and last time he didn't jump well at all before being pulled up. 

With regular pilot Charlie Deutsch riding at Ascot, Sean Bowen has been called upon to do the pushing, the shoving and the steering.     

Famous Bridge is two pounds 'wrong' but likes Haydock - his figures at the track read 11U3. 

Nicky Richards' charge was a tad disappointing when only third behind Egbert and Jacks Parrot in the Tommy Whittle eight weeks ago. Sent off joint favourite with Yeah Man for this last year when rated 139, he unseated Sean Quinlan so remains unproven at the trip; connections try cheekpieces for the first time.   

Where It All Began finds the fences getting in the way on occasions but on his penultimate start he was still in contention in the Welsh National - four lengths fourth - when sprawling on landing four from home.

Three mares take their chance: Apple Away, Galia Des Liteaux and Royal Pagaille's stablemate Fontaine Collonges.

Apple Away has been well backed during the day and is now generally a 6/1 shot. 

She wouldn't be the biggest and I've never been totally convinced by her jumping of a fence - a quick look at her profile might suggest she has shown her best form over fences when racing right-handed.

Galia Des Liteaux and Fontaine Collonges finished behind Val Dancer and Jubilee Express in the Welsh National.

Galia Des Liteaux came home fifth, beaten 17 lengths, while Fontaine Collonges made little impression and was pulled up in the home straight when behind.

Off 142 Dan Skelton's charge went agonisingly close behind My Silver Lining in the 2024 running of the Classic Chase at Warwick, so looks feasibly treated here on 140 with Tristan Durrell claiming three.

Fontaine Collonges likes Haydock too - her figures at the track read 101. 

On her penultimate start she beat Monbeg Genius 12 lengths here and that one won a Class 2 Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter last Saturday.  

It's been a volatile market and there's probably more volatility to come.

I'm drawn to the chance of Galia Des Liteaux who stays the trip and races off her lowest mark since winning the Yorton Stallions  Mares' Novices' Chase at Bangor in November 2022. 

She meets Val Dancer 17 pounds better off than in the Welsh National (if I've done my calculations correctly) and is joint top-rated with Apple Away on Racing Post ratings.

Galia Des Liteaux is the each-way suggestion, currently 10/1 with Ladbrokes who pay three places.     

The 2025 BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at Ascot

I still can't quite fathom how Collectors Item was allowed to go off at 14/1 for the Somerset National at Wincanton on Thursday; on his previous start Jonjo O'Neill's charge had shown his best form this term when second behind Mr Vango in the London National at Sandown, beaten one and a half lengths at odds of 25/1.

Mr Vango goes in the Peter Marsh at Haydock tomorrow, provided the Lancashire track passes its morning inspection at 8.30 - temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing overnight.

Of the eight declared for the Peter Marsh, in my book Trelawne, Imagine, Richmond Lake and Bill Baxter don't look guaranteed to stay the trip.

The going at Ascot is described as good to soft, good in places.

Fourteen have been declared for the BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at 2.50.

Between them Nicky Henderson and Gary & Josh Moore are responsible for three entries apiece, with Nigel Twiston-Davies and Fergal O'Brien each saddling two runners. 

Favourite Bo Zenith moved from Gary & Josh Moore's yard to Nicky Henderson's in October and ran an eye-catching third behind Mirabad at Cheltenham five weeks ago on his first run for 610 days. 

That was the gelding's first run in a handicap and he has been raised three pounds for his trouble; the step up in trip should suit but the 'bounce' factor after such a long layoff would be a concern.

Stablemate Doddiethegreat hasn't been in top form so far this term but a mark of 129 could look lenient after the race.

Altobelli does not look the easiest ride. 

He ran no race whatsoever in the Betfair Hurdle in February. Five weeks ago he went off 13/8 favourite at Doncaster where he looked certain to finish out with the washing before staying on to eventually finish one length adrift of winner Jungle Jack. Connections try first-time cheekpieces.

Aston Martini had Jungle Jack in arrears on her first run in a handicap at Bangor before finding herself outpaced over two miles in the Gerry Feilden next time. The step back up in trip looks a plus; stable jockey Nico De Boinville is aboard Doddiethegreat.

Philip Hobbs & Johnson White have their team in excellent order - 5 wins from 11 runs in past fortnight - but to date Georgi Girl's best form has been seen in mares' races.

Josh The Boss won the Silver Trophy at Chepstow with something up his sleeve but ran a disappointing race behind Steel Ally at Haydock eight weeks ago. After that race connections indicated he'd prefer a faster surface; his chance is respected here with Mr Jamie Neild claiming seven.

I thought Spirit d'Aunou showed his best form for a while in first-time cheekpieces behind Jipcot at Newbury three weeks ago. He won off this mark at Sandown in 2023.

Course and distance winner Goshen is the best horse in the race on official ratings but is difficult to predict while Move It Like Minnie clearly didn't like jumping fences.

Earlier today I watched a recording of Wilful's last race at Taunton - his first run in a handicap. 

The gelding went into the notebook in August after beating Onlyamatteroftime by nine lengths at Worcester while conceding five pounds to the Willie Mullins trained runner. Onlyamtteroftime's rating was 123 at that time - but now he's on 115. 

Jonjo O'Neill's charge led for most of the way at Taunton but was swallowed up by the field approaching the last, eventually finishing eighth of the nine runners, beaten just under seven lengths. A blanket finish in the end and this looks far more competitive.

At the age of ten Stoner's Choice faces a stiff task against younger opponents while Soigneux Bell races from six pounds out of the handicap.

On the shortlist are Kamsinas, Bowenspark, and Spirit d'Aunou.

At Aintree in October Kamsinas beat Bowenspark three and a quarter lengths before finishing a creditable fourth to Steel Ally at Haydock (Josh The Boss ninth, Bowenspark tenth). 

I'd be prepared to forgive both Josh The Boss and Bowenspark their run behind Steel Ally.

Back in November 2023, after Kamsinas had won the Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock, handler Fergal O'Brien said of his charge:

"...I thought he was very unlucky at Cheltenham [27.10.23], he got blocked coming down the hill and he ran on very well. What I loved about it was even though he'd had a fair old bang and a rough ride he threw himself over the last. He's got a great will to win. He loves being a racehorse."

Kamsinas looks a solid option but caries his share of weight. 

On that Aintree run Bowenspark is weighted to reverse placings with Kamsinas but this represents his first run on a right-handed track. The booking of David Bass suggests Bowenspark could race more prominently than at Haydock.

I'm going to side with Spirit d'Aunou, back on his last winning mark, with Freddie Mitchell able to claim five pounds - I'm hoping Gary & Josh Moore's charge can build on last month's run at Newbury.

The form of the yard would be a concern although Salver ran a fine race in defeat behind Nemean Lion at Windsor earlier today.

Spirit d'Aunou is the each-way suggestion, 18/1 with layers generally, most of whom are paying four places. 

A Haydock manifestation

How times have changed! 

These days dictionaries tend to have their very own 'word of the year' - can you believe it? - and this year Cambridge Dictionary's is 'manifest' which, apparently, can mean "to imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen".

Writing in yesterday's Times, Deborah Ross informed readers that both singer Dua Lipa and gymnast Simone Biles have put their success down to manifesting.

Having followed jump racing for a number of years, I'm obliged to report that I gave up on manifesting quite some time ago - although I didn't call it manifesting at the time - primarily because, to put it bluntly, it didn't work, no matter how hard I tried to visualise all my race day selections coming home in front...

Here's another selection to add to that long list of runners that in the past I imagined would come home in front but which manifestly failed to do so.

The going at Haydock is currently described as good to soft, with the weather forecast that I'm looking at predicting light showers. 

Beat The Bat heads the market for the Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle (1.15). 

Harry Fry's charge hasn't been seen for the best part of twelve months, having finished just under three lengths behind Dysart Enos - a creditable third in the Greatwood last Sunday - in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham last December. 

He was carrying a penalty that day and has his first run in handicap company here off a mark of 132, a mark Robbie Wilders feels can be exploited at some stage this season [RP Weekender 06-10.11.24].

Doyen Quest heads the market for the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at 2.30, having won at Cheltenham in facile fashion last Saturday; prior to that run Dan Skelton's charge was beaten four lengths by Josh The Boss in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. 

That form reads well; owned by John Neild, Josh The Boss is regularly ridden by his son Mr Jamie Neild who can claim a valuable seven pounds.

Four weeks ago Kamsinas won an Aintree handicap hurdle over two and a half miles with Bowenspark third, Ballygeary fifth and the mare Lavida Adiva sixth. 

Bowenspark was beaten three and a quarter lengths that day, his first run in a handicap, and he meets the winner four pounds better off here; connections have opted to fit a visor for the first time. 

Sam Thomas has his string in excellent form - three wins from six runners in the past fortnight. 

He saddles Steel Ally who was beaten a neck by Doyen Quest conceding 12 pounds at Newbury in March and was beaten a length by Lump Sum conceding five pounds in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las six weeks ago. 

The handicapper raised Steel Ally three pounds for that effort but the rise is offset by Dylan Johnson's three pound claim. This represents his first try beyond two miles and a half furlong.

Course winning form is always worth noting at this track and Punta Del Este won over course and distance last December. 

This French bred took a while to acclimatise over here and loves heavy ground. After his charge won a handicap hurdle at Ayr in April at odds of 25/1, handler Dan Skelton said:

"That was a complete surprise. Punta Del Este is a funny horse, he's obviously got ability and he won very well at Haydock in the winter but he kind of runs as he wants to and I'm not a great predictor of him." 

Connections took Anyharminasking out of the Greatwood on Sunday on account of the ground. 

Back in October 2023 I felt he would have beaten Nemean Lion with a good jump at the last in the Welsh Champion Hurdle but he hung left-handed on the run to the line and, to my mind, has struggled to reproduce similar form since.

Having failed to complete in two novice chases, last year's winner Park Annonciade reverts to the smaller obstacles and tries to repeat the trick off a mark just two pounds higher; enthusiasm is tempered by the fact he took a heavy fall at Ayr just three weeks ago.

Off a mark of 123 Fine Casting beat Jungle Jack 11 lengths over course and distance in December 2022 but Ben Pauling's charge hasn't won since.

This looks a difficult introduction to handicap company for four-year-old Knight Of Allen and we haven't seen a lot of N'Golo since he won the 2022 Swinton Hurdle. 

Lively Citizen's profile suggests two miles is his trip while Dans Le Vent won the 2021 running of the Stayers' Hurdle on this card but will be 12 years of age on January 1st.

A competitive renewal. I've spent much of the afternoon visualising Sam Twiston-Davies going on after the final flight to carry Trevor Hemmings' famous colours to victory. 

Bowenspark is the each-way suggestion, currently 10/1 with Ladbrokes, William Hill and bet365, all paying four places.

The 2024 Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Final at Haydock

The widely reported fall in betting turnover on racing is certainly not good news for the sport's finances but that pales into insignificance besides proposals put forward by the Liberal Democrats in the world of football. 

Martin Samuel wrote in The Times on Wednesday: 

"[The Lib Dems'] manifesto for sport would put the Premier League on free-to-air television by law, meaning the finances of arguably the most successful industry in British business would collapse overnight."  

Enough. Have a look at this instead. 

It's soft on the hurdle track at Haydock, with a dry day forecast tomorrow; thirteen go in the Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Final due off at 2.40. 

In an open event, Astronomic View heads the market with Doughmore Bay, Picanha, and Judicial Law supported during the day. 

Shoeshine Boy, joint favourite with one or two layers earlier, is 10/1 with Paddy Power at the time of writing.  

Three weeks ago, over a trip of three and a quarter miles at Warwick, Astronomic View recorded his first win in eight hurdle races, coming home 21 lengths ahead of My Bobby Dazzler in second, with Martha Brae (third) and Balkardy (fifth) even further behind. 

Sue Gardner's chestnut, owned by husband Des, was raised eight pounds for that effort; daughter Lucy rides. 

My Bobby Dazzler's second to the Olly Murphy trained Butch at Cheltenham on New Year's Day reads well. 

Mel Rowley's inmate finished fourth in this race last year off a mark of 122; taking Tabitha Worsley's three pound claim into consideration, he is effectively two pounds better off this year.

Top weight Judicial Law travelled well for a long way behind Emitom at Newbury last time - noticeable error made four out - but he didn't quite get home on the heavy ground, finishing fifth; the handicapper has dropped him one pound for that run.

The yard has won this twice in the past five years with Django Django (2019) and An Tailliur (2022).

Picanha finished fourth in the same Newbury race on his first start for 660 days. 

He clearly hasn't been easy to train - just seven starts under rules at the age of ten - but that was a decent effort; he beat Trincomalee off this mark at Warwick in April 2022.

Doughmore Bay did well to finish second behind Ilovethenightlife on his first run for 73 days at Plumpton; outpaced rounding the home turn, he looked booked to finish with the also-rans before rallying stoutly up the hill.

Prior to that Emma Lavelle's charge had finished seventh behind American Sniper and White Rhino (Paricolor third) at Cheltenham in November.

Paricolor hasn't won for over two years but has nonetheless posted some decent efforts in defeat. 

He was pulled up 11 days ago behind Feivel at Exeter, having missed a race at Doncaster in January on account of the ground and one at Wincanton at the beginning of the month; the handicapper has dropped him three pounds. 

Connections try a first-time visor; the stable is operating at a 29% win strike rate over the past fortnight.

In four starts this season Goshhowposh has won twice and failed to complete twice. 

The gelding beat Shallow River at Wincanton on Boxing Day but was pulled up behind that rival on heavy ground at Exeter seven weeks ago. The trainer said his charge stopped very quickly that day; connections fit blinkers for the first time.

Bottom weight Shoeshine Boy comes into this in fine form having won at Ayr and Kelso in the past six weeks; on 107 he's only six pounds higher for those two victories.

Secret Trix, kept busy over the summer months, qualified for this when second behind Equinus at Aintree at the end of October; he hasn't been seen since and wears cheekpieces for the first time.

Tanganiyka, on the other hand, has been kept busy over the winter months. 

Venetia Williams' charge made all to win at Newbury on his penultimate start and is now rated seven pounds higher. 

He beat Astronomic View (dead-heated with Chris Cool in second) at Bangor in December and has a couple of lengths to find on revised terms; he isn't always particularly fluent at the obstacles but the yard boasts six wins from 30 runs (20%) in the past 14 days.

Storm Nelson has caused havoc with wind, rain, hail and snow in parts of the country over the past 24 hours; expect similar levels of pandemonium if Storm Nelson wins here.

The gelding qualified when a modest third behind Johnson's Blue at Doncaster last month. His defeat of Wakool at Ayr 14 months ago reads well but the eleven-year-old hasn't shown that level of form since moving to Olly Williams in November.

A difficult race. 

My small each-way wager won't make any inroads into that widely reported fall in betting turnover ('a drop in the ocean', one might say) but I'm going to forgive My Bobby Dazzler his last run over an extended trip at Warwick. 

He likes to race up with the pace which suits Haydock; My Bobby Dazzler is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 with Sky Bet who pay one fifth the odds five places.     

An Ascot anodyne

When favourite Ocastle Des Mottes spread a plate just before the start of the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last week, I couldn't help but wonder what the racecourse farrier carried in that tool bag of his - it had clearly seen several years of dedicated service. 

Daryl Jacob managed to get a good snoop - was there a kitchen sink in there? - but while Ed Chamberlin bemoaned the effect of the protracted delay on the other runners (official off-time some 13 minutes late), it was refreshing to hear Ruby Walsh tell Ed - and anyone else listening - that it wasn't the first time a horse had spread a plate before the start of a race and it certainly wouldn't be the last, so just suck it up!

Such flagrant disregard for circumlocutionary practice can only be applauded.

Further examples of circumlocutionary practice follow.

Sixteen have been declared for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle (2.25 Ascot); Turftax report the going as good to soft.

When I first looked at this race earlier in the week two Twiston-Davies entries caught the eye - Cuthbert Dibble and Guard Your Dreams. 

The former runs in the Pertemps qualifier at Haydock (3.50), the latter in the Kingwell Hurdle (2.05 Wincanton). 

Cuthbert Dibble - named after two members of the Trumpton fire brigade - won at Chepstow last time out; after that race jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said in an interview with Sky Sports Racing:

"I gave Cuthbert Dibble a terrible ride in the EBF Final. I watch the race back every now and again just to kick myself and remind me why we ride the horse the way we do. I tried to tuck him in but ended up too far back in testing ground. If you'd have asked me this morning I'd have said I'd be incredibly disappointed if he was beaten, because we'd rate him far better than a mark of 125 in the yard. He'll have tougher assignment in future. He'll jump fences one day."

Fire fighting, the handicapper raised Cuthbert Dibble eight pounds after Chepstow but Finn Lambert claims five tomorrow.

The Nicky Henderson trained Hyland has the Pertemps Final at the Festival as his stated target; Hyland takes his chance here following a break of 78 days.

Now, I know you might reasonably expect a rare edition to be of some interest to someone with a background in libraries but I'm afraid this particular Rare Edition is of limited interest because the layers have priced him up favourite. 

On Boxing Day 2022 Charlie Longsdon's charge beat Rubaud seven lengths in a Kempton novice hurdle. 

Rubaud is now rated 149 and counts Guard Your Dreams as one of his opponents in the Kingwell while Rare Edition comes into this on 139. 

On his only start beyond an extended two miles Rare Edition was beaten just under three lengths in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon 12 months ago.

This term Bad has been reasonably good over two miles and won over an extended two and a quarter miles at Bordeaux Le Bouscat in November 2022. He underwent wind surgery last month and wears cheekpieces for the first time.

Formerly with Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Monviel finished fifth in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last year. In the RP Weekender [18-22.10.23] new handler Harry Dereham said:

"He's going to go chasing and I'm quite excited about him." 

After two chase starts, connections have decided to revert to hurdling.

Irish Hill won this race last year off a mark of 128. 

Subsequently tenth in the Martin Pipe at the Festival, the grey looks feasibly handicapped off 125 and Freddie Gingell can claim a further five. 

On his penultimate start he led narrowly two out but was well beaten by Rambo T at Newbury. 

Last month he raced prominently and led clearly on the home turn in the Lanzarote but eventually finished behind winner Jay Jay Reilly (effectively ten pounds higher here), Teddy Blue (sixth), and Mothill (eighth).

Teddy Blue (dam: Tickle Me Blue) finished third behind Aucunrisque and Filey in the 2023 Betfair Hurdle and posted his best effort this term in the Lanzarote. Racing in rear, he looked to be fighting for his head in the early stages - no laughing matter - before making ground and then weakening into sixth after the final flight. 

He was dropped one pound for that effort; with Tom Cannon replacing Caoilin Quinn on board he effectively carries two pounds more tomorrow.

Mothill boasts a consistent profile and can be expected to improve in first-time cheekpieces; drying ground will suit and Joe Anderson claims five.

Issam jumped well and travelled like the best horse on desperate ground at Sandown last time; he appeared to have the spoils in the bag after the final flight but slowed dramatically to a walk up the hill and was collared by Havaila. Drying ground and a slightly shorter trip should help. 

Santos Blue (sire: Blue Bresil) has raced primarily on left-handed tracks to date while Soaring Glory must be a source of some frustration to connections.

Coral Gold Cup winner Le Milos was last seen in a Pertemps qualifier at Market Rasen in November. He's quoted 50/1 for this year's Grand National which is the main target - he finished tenth behind Corach Rambler at Aintree last year.

Arqoob's two and threequarters length second behind Rare Edition at Kempton last time isn't reflected in his market price but he showed a marked tendency to jump out to his left that day which won't help the cause and he races from two pounds out of the handicap.

This looks a competitive race for Ostend on debut in this country but the stable boasts a 38% win strike rate in the past fortnight while In The Air has his first run for new connections having pulled up twice over fences when trained by Gary Moore - his two and threequarters length second behind JPR One at Taunton last March reads well. 

Teddy Blue, Mothill and Issam are the ones on the shortlist; with Teddy Blue backed during the afternoon I'll take a small each-way interest in Issam.

Issam is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 14/1 generally with several layers paying five places. 

The 2023 renewal of the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase

With Christmas arrangements suddenly subjected to substantial revision, I haven't spent as much time as I'd like on tomorrow's Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (1.30 Haydock). 

Famous Bridge beat the mares Credo (second) and Eleanor Bob (fourth) in the Betfair "Free Racing Multiples Today" Handicap Chase over course and distance four weeks ago. 

That day Eleanor Bob jumped well in the main at the head of affairs while Famous Bridge raced in midfield with Credo held up at the back. 

Famous Bridge crept towards the pace on the second circuit, led at the final flight and looked to have more than enough in the tank to repel fast-finishing Credo whereas Eleanor Bob just weakened on the long run-in, only beaten four and a quarter lengths in the end. 

Famous Bridge heads the market; the trio look closely matched again. 

Lucy Turner, who won the Becher on Chambard two weeks ago, replaces Charlie Deutsch aboard Eleanor Bob and her five pound claim could prove a significant advantage on heavy ground.

I wonder whether Sam Twiston-Davies will ride Credo nearer the pace tomorrow - she was certainly flying at the finish last time.

Following wind surgery in the summer Enqarde beat Docpickedme at Warwick six and a half weeks ago. That was some effort, his first win since beating Remastered ten lengths in the 2021 renewal of this race; he started off a mark of 128 that day and goes off 127 tomorrow.

On ground that was probably quicker than ideal last season's Topham winner Bill Baxter finished eighth behind Datsalrightgino in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury three weeks ago. 

In a subsequent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 13-17.12.23] handler Warren Greatrex said:

"It was an amazing day when he won the Topham for us at the Grand National meeting in April and we have the big one in mind.

"He ran a very good race at Newbury in the Coral Gold Cup but needs softer ground.

"I loved how he stayed on and passed a few horses on his first try at that extended trip. He's definitely improved this season and has come out of the race well, so we could look at the Tommy Whittle at Haydock next week...

"He needs to go up to get in the National, probably 7lb, so he's got to win a race and I was chuffed with how he never missed a beat in a big field at Newbury. That has taken a trip question mark out of it and, in soft or heavy ground, he'll be hard to beat in the right race next time."

He has been dropped three pounds for that Newbury run and goes off 140 tomorrow.

On his first run over three miles Cooper's Cross won the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster in January and subsequently finished a three-length second to Kitty's Light in the Scottish Grand National.

On balance this one has shown his best form on better ground but he was noted 'going easily' when hampered and coming to grief four out in the Topham won by Bill Baxter.

The mare Burrows Diamond has been nibbled at in the market and hails from the in-form Sue Smith yard which boasts a 20% win strike rate over the past fortnight. 

Dr Kananga likes to race from the front and returns to the track after wind surgery over the summer while Conkwell Legend has just three chase starts to his name and finished tailed off behind Stay Away Fay in the Esher Novices' Chase at Sandown last time.

Just nine declared but no easy puzzle to solve; I'm going to take Warren Greatrex at his word. 

Bill Baxter is the win selection, 11/2 with Sky who will refund losing stakes if the grey places second or third, or alternatively, 13/2 with bet365 at the time of writing.

Season's greetings.  

   

Walking a tightrope at Ascot

Tom Scudamore rode Royal Pagaille to victory by an eased-down 16 lengths in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January 2021, primarily because regular pilot Charlie Deutsch went to Ascot to ride Espoir De Guye and Fanion D'Estruval - both finished fourth in their respective races, the former behind Dashel Drasher and the latter behind First Flow.

Wiser for the experience, Charlie was aboard Royal Pagaille when beating Sam Brown half a length in the same race the following year.

Tomorrow Charlie rides Royal Pagaille in the Betfair Chase at Haydock (3.00) but I'm sure he'll empathise with weighing room colleague Harry Cobden, regular pilot of Bravemansgame, whose boss Mr Paul Nicholls informed him he goes to Ascot to ride Pic D'Orhy (1.30); Blueking D'Oroux (2.05); Farnoge (12.55); and Regent's Stroll (3.50).

Harry didn't seem best pleased with arrangements earlier in the week. There were also rumours Mr Nicholls wasn't best pleased with the ride Harry gave Captain Teague in the novice hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.

Anyway, back down at Ascot I have to say I think previous course and distance winner Funambule Sivola - the Racing Post's top-rated - is overpriced at 16/1 in the Hurst Park (3.15).

Three weeks ago Boothill won the Byrne Group Handicap Chase over course and distance off a mark of 149 with Saint Segal third, Frere D'Armes fifth and Funambule Sivola sixth - beaten 20 lengths on his first run in a handicap chase since January 2022 when he beat The Big Bite off a mark of 152. 

I've watched the replay of that Ascot race a couple of times. 

On the day Saint Segal went hard enough up front; Venetia Williams' inmate was a beaten horse off the home bend and allowed to come home in his own time (as they often say). 

The handicapper has raised Boothill six pounds, dropped Saint Segal one pound, Frere D'Armes two and Funambule Sivola three. 

Even with Ned Fox's five pound claim, the gelding still has enough on his plate to get near the winner.

The last day though the ground was soft and the going at Ascot is currently described as good. 

To my mind, Boothill has tended to show his best form on soft ground whereas Funambule Sivola has shown his on good.

After his victory in the Game Spirit at Newbury in February (good, good to firm in places), Venetia said:

"Funambule Sivola is the fastest thing I've ever had, he's very quick. It was all speed. The owners asked me what the tactics were and I said you don't have tactics in a race like this on this type of ground, just go as fast as you can."

35 minutes later Aucunrisque made all to win the Betfair Hurdle in a course record time.

Nevertheless connections decided to send Funambule for wind surgery over the summer; this represents his second start since the operation was carried out.

On the minus side, the gelding can jump low at his obstacles and has been known to miss the odd one out - he lost ground at the seventh flight down the back last time.

Corrigeen Rock has a good record on right-handed tracks but was some way behind Black Gerry and Frere D'Armes over course and distance in April while Triple Trade looked to have a hard enough race when winning at Cheltenham eight days ago and has been raised six pounds for his trouble. 

Handler Joe Tizzard said after that victory:

"...I'm tempted to take him to Newbury in a couple of weeks' time if it's nice and soft."

With just the dead eight declared, I realise I'm walking a bit of a tightrope but Coral still go 16/1 at the time of writing; generally Funambule is quoted a 14/1 chance.

Funambule Sivola is the each-way suggestion.

The 2023 Challenger Staying Chase Series Final at Haydock

A couple of weeks ago I walked into the Warwick branch of W. H. Smith and bumped into David Watts and Johnny Winall promoting their book 'Mug Bookies'. 

With over 30 years' experience as independent bookmakers, the authors quickly identified me as a likely mark and highlighted a piece in their blurb that said the book is 'a must read for anyone who likes a bet'. 

Naturally, I had to buy a copy. 

And ask them to sign the title page - just in case, you understand. 

It's an eclectic mix of tales and characters from the betting ring and the betting shop floor, interspersed with details of numerous business ventures, many of which didn't result in particularly propitious outcomes.

The authors were (mustard) keen to point out they are now the owners of five-year-old bay mare Mug Bookies who is currently in training with Johnny Winall's nephew Joe Ponting; unfortunately, when we spoke, she was out of action with an injury.

I digress.

For this week's wager I'm off to Haydock and the Challenger Staying Chase Series Final Handicap Chase (2.40); fifteen have been declared with the going currently described as good to soft.

At the time of writing Jeffery's Cross and Mucho Mas share favouritism. 

The former has yet to win over fences and was beaten 19 lengths by Coolvalla last time; I'm not convinced Dan Skelton's charge sees out this trip. 

Mucho Mas on the other hand looks a nice staying prospect and beat Feivel at Sandown last month (Morning Spirit third). 

Ben Pauling's charge shares top weight with Frenchy Du Large but off a mark of 129 could easily be up to the task.  Feivel has only completed three of six chase starts this season; connections try cheekpieces tomorrow.

It's no surprise to see money for Enqarde who beat Remastered ten lengths over course and distance in the 2021 renewal of the Tommy Whittle. He starts off a mark three pounds lower tomorrow; the value in the price has long since disappeared.

Planned Paradise was a good second behind Quick Wave in the London National in December. His profile suggests he may prefer to race right-handed and stable form is a concern.

Quick Wave won the Grand National Trial here in February with Small Present sixth and Tim Pat pulled up. Both ran from out of the handicap that day but both were backed, sent off 7/1 chances. 

Small Present has yet to win over fences but Tim Pat has two chase wins to his name, including the Tim Moloney Handicap Chase here back in March last year.

Neon Moon should appreciate drying ground and ruined his chance with a mistake two out at Newbury last month. His profile suggests this trip may stretch his stamina, a comment that also applies to One True King.

To date Sam Barton has been a disappointment over fences (rated:125c / 132h) while Tide Times looked to have a hard enough race behind Latitude at Ludlow last time. 

The veteran in the field, I See You Well, has been in respectable form but may find it all happening a tad too quick.

Mucho Mas looks consistent compared to a number in the field that come with question marks attached. 

I'm going to take a chance with the Donald McCain trained Tim Pat on the back of these comments made in a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 08-12.02.23]:

"He almost made it third time lucky this season when beaten in a head-bobber at Doncaster last time. In another stride he would have been ahead, but it was very encouraging after a couple of poor runs. He is the sort of horse who could turn up in a nice handicap this spring and raise a few eyebrows now that he is clearly coming to form."

His subsequent effort in the Grand National Trial in first-time cheekpieces - pulled up before four out - was disappointing; in general terms, his profile is inconsistent. The vet reported he'd lost his right fore shoe prior to that last run; the cheekpieces remain in place tomorrow. 

Tim Pat is the each way suggestion, 14/1 with bet365 and William Hill who are paying five places.

The 2023 Haydock Grand National Trial

Sturgeon's gone - and now Scudamore as well. Whatever next?

Fifteen have been declared for tomorrow's Grand National Trial (2.40 Haydock) where the going is described as good to soft.

In the past this race has been run after the weights for the National have been revealed but this year it's a different story with the announcement being made at St George's Hall, Liverpool, next Tuesday.

Cloudy Glen, Fortescue, Grumpy Charley and Quick Wave all hold entries for this year's Aintree showpiece.

Venetia Williams saddles three with stable jockey Charlie Deutsch aboard favourite Fontaine Collonges. 

The mare just held The Big Breakaway at this track on seasonal debut (Tom Scudamore up) and then finished fourth, beaten nine lengths, behind Remastered at Kempton over Christmas (Tom Scudamore up). All of her racing prior to this season has been over trips between two and two and a half miles.

Top weight Bristol De Mai needs no introduction, having won three Betfair Chases at the track; he was awarded this race last year following the disqualification of The Galloping Bear. 

The grey is five pounds lower now but probably not as good as he once was and connections have indicated the drying ground isn't ideal. Should he come home in front, there won't be a dry eye in the house.

This looks a big weekend for Alex Hales' Northamptonshire yard with Millers Bank going to Ascot to mix it with Fakir D'oudairies, Shiskin et al. while Omar Maretti takes his chance here. 

The gelding only has five chase starts to his name but he's certainly built for the job. Like several in the field, he'd prefer more cut and stable form would be a concern but he has been well supported today and at the time of writing is vying for favouritism.

Course and distance winner Tim Pat is another to have been well backed during the day, now as low as 7/1 with some layers. 

Donald McCain's charge was only beaten a neck on good ground at Doncaster the last day and he sports cheekpieces for the first time tomorrow. All that said, he has just five chase starts under his belt and he races from out of the handicap - the last seven-year-old to come home in front was Heltornic (Michael Scudamore trained, Tom Scudamore up) in 2007.

Sue Smith's Small Present has yet to win over the larger obstacles and has been on the drift but his third behind Bangers And Cash in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day reads well.

Fortescue was my tip for this year's Welsh National but he never went a yard and was beaten after the first. 

Henry Daly's charge hasn't shown such good form this term - I'm waiting for some signs of revival before giving him further consideration.

Grey mare Snow Leopardess is another who has been out of sorts this season. Connections will hope cheekpieces can bring about a revival.

At least Notachance gave me a run for my money in this year's Classic Chase at Warwick, eventually finishing third behind Iwilldoit and Mr Incredible. 

He won the 2021 running of the Classic Chase before suffering an injury in this race five weeks later behind Lord Du Mesnil. It has taken connections a long time to rebuild confidence but, given that he won the 2021 Classic Chase off  a mark of 139, he  must have some sort of chance off 132 tomorrow.

Nobody could begrudge The Two Amigos his Welsh National victory last December, given he finished second to Secret Reprieve the year before. 

Nicky Martin's charge may not be the biggest but he's terrier-like and likes to race from the front. He'd prefer more dig in the ground but earlier in the week his handler indicated he was 'bouncing out of his skin'.

First Lord Du Cuet has finished second in all five chase starts to date while Grumpy Charley struggled in the recent Classic Chase at Warwick.

Venetia's other mare Quick Wave is forgiven her effort behind The Two Amigos at Chepstow - she lost her right-fore shoe. Prior to that she had won the London National at Sandown in something of a common canter - but Charlie Deutsch has opted for the other mare. 

Seven or so weeks ago Time To Get Up ran well enough in the Welsh National before pulling up and finished third in this race last year - subsequently promoted to second - following the disqualification of The Galloping Bear. 

He was 26 lengths adrift of Bristol De Mai that day but meets that opponent on six pounds better terms on good to soft ground tomorrow. 

This one won the 2021 Midlands National at Uttoxeter off 138 and finished third in that race off 142 last year. 

The Midlands National may well be the target once again but he goes off 133 tomorrow so is obviously worth a second look; earlier today bet365 stood out going 33/1 about this J.P.McManus owned runner - he's now generally a 14/1 shot.

A very competitive renewal. 

The three on my each-way shortlist are Notachance, The Two Amigos and Time To Get Up. 

In a race that often goes the way of a more experienced sort, Time To Get Up is the each-way suggestion, currently 14/1 with William Hill, Paddy Power and Sky Bet all paying five places.

An each-way chance for the Haydock finale

Earlier today the going at Haydock was described as soft on the chase course; soft, good to soft in places on the hurdles course, with further rain forecast before tomorrow's meeting.

All eyes will be on A Plus Tard in the Betfair Chase (3.00) but I've decided to focus on the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (3.35), run over the same distance as the Betfair Chase.

Incidentally the 14/1 offered by Ladbrokes / Coral earlier today about Botox Has in the Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle (2.25) caught my eye. 

Gary Moore's charge ran a fine race on seasonal debut at Cheltenham four weeks ago, failing to concede 16 pounds to race-fit rival Shoot First by two lengths.

The handicapper raised Botox Has four pounds to a mark of 144 for that effort but Caoilin Quinn claims seven tomorrow.

Gary Moore doesn't send too many to Haydock and a couple in the field try the trip for the first time - including Might I (probably well-treated off 142) and Good Risk At All.

At the time of writing Botox Has is generally a 12/1 shot and 11/1 with William Hill who pay five places. 

After that slight digression, there's this.

It's a guess how the chase course is going to ride after the three preceding races on the card (12.40; 1.50; 3.00) but the chances are a slog in the mud will ensue.

With ten of the twelve declared set to carry more than 11-0 and joint top-weights Good Boy Bobby and Lord Du Mesnil 12-1, it's no real surprise to see Houston Texas with a weight of 10-5 chalked up favourite.

Nicky Richards' charge impressed at Carlisle three weeks ago but has yet to win going left-handed.

The mare Fontaine Collonges has not raced beyond two miles four and a half furlongs and the form of the Venetia Willaims stable is a concern with no winner for 210 days. 

Ms. Williams will be hoping for a change of fortune with Achile (12.40 Haydock), L'Homme Presse (2.05 Ascot) and  Frero Banbou (3.15 Ascot).

Top weights Good Boy Bobby and Lord Du Mesnil look closely matched. The former beat the latter one and threequarters lengths in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day. 

On a strict reading of the form, Lord Du Mesnil is weighted to reverse those placings but 'The Lord' is a bit of a character who on occasions doesn't put his best foot forward. 

Richard Hobson's charge beat Achille in the Grand National Trial over this course in 2021 and I fancied him to repeat the trick 12 months later but, carrying my hard-earned, he ran no race at all behind The Galloping Bear and was pulled up.   

That said, his comeback run behind Le Milos at Bangor ten days ago points to a bold show.

Musical Slave beat Enqarde over course and distance in April before finishing a fine second behind Hewick in the bet365 Chase at Sandown seven days later. 

In the past there have been questions over his jumping and the gelding hasn't always appeared overly keen but the fitting of cheekpieces appears to have helped significantly.

The Big Breakaway finished third behind Monkfish in the 2021 Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival but, to date, hasn't built on that potential.

Freddie Gingell's ten pounds claim will help Truckers Lodge but on the eve of his eleventh birthday the suspicion is his best days are behind him and the same comment would apply to twelve-year-old Crosspark.

I'm a bit of Crosspark fan after he did me a favour in the 2019 Eider Chase at Newcastle. 

This one hasn't gone unbacked during the week on his first run for new connections but to my mind he has shown his very best form on good and good to soft ground in the past.

Rapid Flight was well beaten behind Crystal Glory at Hexham three days ago, If Not For Dylan races from out of the handicap and Easysland has been pulled up on his four runs for Jonjo O'Neill.

Three weeks ago Good Boy Bobby ran well for a long way behind Our Power at Ascot before fading into seventh, beaten 21 lengths, with Rapper a further three lengths adrift in ninth.

Rapper has been dropped two pounds to 139 - and last season progressed noticeably for his first run. The gelding won off a mark of 137 at Wincanton last February. 

Henry Daly has his team in rude health, operating at a win-strike rate of 38% in the past fortnight. 

With Good Boy Bobby generally priced at 6/1 (bet365 stand out at 8/1) and Rapper at 16/1, Rapper is the each-way suggestion - most layers are paying one fifth the odds four places.

The Challenger Staying Chase Series Final at Haydock

A short post this evening - apparently Easter holiday obligations have to take priority. I still can't quite put my finger on the precise moment when, many years ago, it all started to go wrong. 

Anyway, the result is I haven't done the detailed homework required for the Challenger Series Finals card at Haydock tomorrow but, what the hell, I'm going to have a wager in the Staying Chase Final at 3.52.

Favourite Bavington Bob has won his last four on the bounce; Ann Hamilton's charge has risen from a mark of 116 to 139.

Kap Auteuil beat Coral Trophy fifth Galahad Quest at Stratford last time and is now on a career high mark of 140.

Musical Slave's two length third behind Win My Wings at Exeter in January reads well, given that Win My Wings subsequently went on to win the Eider at Newcastle and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. 

I've never been totally convinced this one is totally committed to the game - at Sandown last time the form book indicates Tom O'Brien 'cajoled' his mount mid-race before the pair came home ahead of Notachance. Connections will hope first-time cheekpieces aid the cause.

Breizh Alko is talented but has legs like glass while Quartz Du Rheu will certainly appreciate better ground.

Enqarde and Snuff Box complete the line-up and both are course and distance winners; the former is of interest.

Dr. Richard Newland's charge beat Remastered ten lengths in the Tommy Whittle here last December before being pulled up behind The Galloping Bear in the Grand National Trial in February. The going at Haydock that day was extremely testing - only three of the 11 runners completed - and a fortnight later Enqarde underwent wind surgery. 

This is his first run since and he wears a tongue-tie for the first time. Drying ground should help and I'd like to think he can be competitive.

7/1 at the time of writing, I'm going to have a bet on Enqarde to win.

Off to sort some Easter presents now...

Haydock's Grand National Trial 2022

Tomorrow's card at Haydock is subject to an early morning inspection with the going currently described as heavy; rain is forecast.

Following the release of the weights for the 2022 Randox Grand National earlier in the week, 11 have been declared for the William Hill Grand National Trial which is due off at 2.40.

Secret Reprieve won the 2020 Welsh Grand National and on his next run finished fifth behind Iwilldoit in the 2021 renewal. That was a decent effort after such a long layoff; he has a nice racing weight here (10-05) and is the clear market leader. 

Evan Williams' charge missed the cut for last year's Aintree showpiece and there's every chance the same will happen again this year too. 

As an aside, unfortunately it looks as though a similar fate awaits my early Aintree fancy. 

Hill Sixteen was beaten a nose by Snow Leopardess in the Becher from four pounds out of the handicap 10 weeks ago yet is 66/1 with several layers while the likeable grey mare is priced up 16/1 joint favourite. 

I digress.

Pulled up in last year's Grand National, Bristol De Mai loves Haydock and has underfoot conditions to suit but has to concede nine pounds and upwards to his rivals; since 2000 three horses have carried 11-12 to victory: Shotgun Willy (2003); Miko De Beauchene (2008); and Silver By Nature (2011).

Four weeks ago Sam Brown was beaten half a length by Royale Pagaille in the Peter Marsh here (Kalooki fifth, Lord Du Mesnil sixth). 

The winner took all the plaudits that day but with a couple of cleaner jumps at the final two flights Sam Brown could easily have come home in front. 

The handicapper raised Anthony Honeyball's charge just two pounds for that effort which looks on the lenient side - the extended trip here is an unknown but his chance is very much respected.

At 13 years of age what a wonderful horse Blaklion is!

In 2017 he went off 7/2 favourite for this race to come home second behind Vieux Lion Rouge before finishing fourth behind One For Arthur at Aintree. 

At odds of 50/1 he finished sixth in last year's National and has demonstrated this term he still retains all his enthusiasm for the game with two victories at this track. The oldest horse to come in front was 12-year-old Giles Farnaby in 1958.

Enqarde beat Remastered 10 lengths here in the Tommy Whittle just before Christmas. 

That form reads well although Remastered didn't appear to stay the same trip when fading into fourth behind Royale Pagaille and Sam Brown last month. 

Dr Richard Newland's charge was sent off the 4/1 favourite for this race last year but appeared to weaken after the last finishing fourth behind Lord Du Mesnil. 

On his first run for over 12 months The Galloping Bear made all to carry top weight to victory on heavy ground in the Surrey National at Lingfield four weeks ago. 

Ben Clarke's charge is unbeaten over fences and, after reassessment, is rated five pounds higher. That looked a hard race the last day - and this looks a better race.

Sidi Ismael is another to try a step up in grade. 

David Pipe's charge won the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day; his fall next time out in the North Yorkshire National at Catterick is a cause for concern. 

Time To Get Up beat Mighty Thunder in last year's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter; he returns after suffering a setback following his run in the Grand Sefton in November. 

I'm not sure this trip is going suit Mint Condition.

Going back to the Peter Marsh last month both Kalooki and Lord Du Mesnil were soundly beaten behind Royale Pagaille. 

To my mind Kalooki's jumping isn't always foot perfect but I was disappointed by Lord Du Mesnil - I'd tipped him for the race - who was beaten as soon as they turned for home. 

Although the official going that day was reported soft, the night before the race handler Richard Hobson indicated he was concerned the ground may not be deep enough after a drying week.

Provided the course passes its inspection tomorrow, there should be no concerns on that front this time. Lord Du Mesnil races off a mark just one pound higher than when he won last year's renewal (four pounds higher if  Paul O'Brien's three pound claim is taken into account).

I'm hoping the extended trip and deep ground will show Lord Du Mesnil in a better light. 

Betfred, Coral and William Hill are amongst layers paying four places; 11/1 at the time of writing, Lord Du Mesnil is the each-way suggestion.   

Haydock's Peter Marsh Chase 2022

During the week concern was expressed that the 'Lingfield Million' initiative might have an adverse effect on the number of runners in the Peter Marsh at Haydock. Eight set off in last year's renewal; ten are set to face the starter at 2.35 tomorrow. 

The going is described as soft, heavy in places on the chase course.

12 months ago Royal Pagaille won in something of a common canter, Tom Scudamore doing the steering after regular pilot Charlie Deutsch opted to go to Ascot instead. At the time I wrote:

An analysis I've read of Royale Pagaille's victory at Kempton over Christmas talks of  'a performance of some note' indicating the horse 'won't look out of place in Graded company'.

It's no surprise therefore to see Venetia Williams' charge priced up favourite but the gelding has been raised 16 pounds for that effort and now sits on a mark of 156. There's Gold Cup talk in the background as well, with layers quoting odds of 50/1 for the Cheltenham showpiece in March. 

So I still haven't quite worked out why regular pilot Charlie Deutsch has decided to go to Ascot to ride Espoir De Guye (3.00) and Fanion D'Estruval (3.35). Did Charlie, like the rest of us, expect Haydock to be abandoned? Or does he prefer his chances at Ascot?  

Scudamore clearly enjoyed his armchair ride that day but it must have made for painful viewing for Charlie with Fanion D'Estruval finishing fourth behind First Flow in the Clarence House and Espoir De Guye also fourth behind  Dashel Drasher in the bet365 Handicap Chase.

Fanion D'Estruval has been declared for tomorrow's renewal of the bet365 Handicap Chase - this year, though, Charlie rides at Haydock. I note the gelding also holds an entry in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield on Sunday but connections' preference is for the Ascot engagement.

Conceding 12 pounds and upwards to the rest of the field represents no easy task for Royal Pagaille who goes off 163. Historically just four horses with a rating of 160 or higher have competed in this event;  Jodami is the only one to come home in front, in 1997, off a rating of 169.

Last time out in the Betfair Chase Royal Pagaille finished 22 lengths second behind A Plus Tard, the current 7/2 favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

The ground at Haydock that day was described as good to soft but rode nearer to good; Venetia Williams' charge came back in with an injury to the right hind pastern and in the circumstances ran a very good race.  

Tom Scudamore rides Remastered who was running a big race when taking a crashing fall four from home in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury; thankfully he came out unscathed. Next time he ran a fine second here but had no answer to Enqarde in the Tommy Whittle (Sam's Adventure pulled up).

The Rowland Meyrick run at Wetherby on Boxing Day looks a significant piece of form. 

Good Boy Bobby was tenacious up front to see off the attentions of Lord Du Mesnil by one and threequarters lengths with Lake View Lad some 16 lengths adrift in fourth.

That only tells half the story though as Empire Steel looked to be travelling ominously well when coming to grief four from home. His chance is respected here but under the conditions of the race he is obliged to go off three pounds higher than his allotted handicap mark.

Exasperated with the family's Boxing Day festivities, I sought some simple temporary solace in backing Lake View Lad each-way at Wetherby on the back of Nick Alexander's comments that the grey had been trained  specifically for the race. 

Unfortunately the gelding provided no Boxing Day solace whatsoever, struggling to keep tabs on the principals over the second circuit. 

The handicapper has dropped his mark three pounds to 146 and the grey has a good record at this track but it's difficult to see him finishing ahead of Empire Steel (provided he completes) or Lord Du Mesnil (provided he's in the mood).

With just six chase starts to his name, Sam Brown has looked difficult to train but as a consequence still remains relatively unexposed for a ten-year-old. Last time out at Aintree he finished a distant third behind Protektorat - currently a 9/1 chance for the Gold Cup; two years ago he won a two and a half mile novice chase on this card. 

Kalooki's jumping has proved problematic in the past - connections will hope first-time cheekpieces can help - while Alnadam has done a lot of his racing over two and half miles.

Beaten over 40 lengths, Fortescue wasn't disgraced finishing seventh in the Ladbrokes Trophy at odds of 50/1 and at Kempton over Christmas he was beaten a length by Five Star Getaway. He is three pounds 'wrong' at the weights but the additional burden is offset by Hugh Nugent's five pounds claim.  

Last season Sam's Adventure won the Tommy Whittle over course and distance off 133 and the Eider Chase at Newcastle off 139. This season Brian Ellison's charge has been bang out of form; he went off at 40/1 for the Rehearsal Chase in November (finished 49 lengths behind winner Aye Right) and, four pounds 'wrong' at the weights tomorrow, is quoted at a similar price.

The market suggests the race rests between Royal Pagaille, Remastered and Empire Steel; two each-way chances of interest are Lord Du Mesnil and Sam Brown.

The former isn't entirely predictable and wouldn't be guaranteed to build on his second in the Rowland Meyrick (for which he was raised two pounds) but he has a lot more experience over the larger obstacles than most in the field and his record at the track reads 1121.

The latter has something to find on ratings but handler Anthony Honeyball is quoted in the Racing Post as saying: 'I'll be very disappointed off his current mark if he isn't thereabouts at the finish.' Sam Brown has been the subject of support in the market this evening.

Lord Du Mesnil is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 with bet365 and BetVictor, both paying three places.

The 2021 Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock

From the business section of my paper today: PG Tips sold for 4.5 billion euros. Funny that, no one has been in touch - and Christmas is just around the corner too.

Earlier this week I was asked what I'd like for Christmas this year. Reflex reply: a 20/1 winner; after some further consideration: a 33/1 winner.

Or perhaps a copy of Victor Chandler's biography Victor Chandler - Put Your Life On It: Staying At The Top In The Cut-Throat World Of Gambling by Jamie Reid.

Tomorrow's Betfair Chase at Haydock looks a particularly strong renewal but I've spent / wasted my time looking at the Betfair Exchange Stayers' Handicap Hurdle due off at 2.25. Sixteen have been declared with the going on the hurdle course described as good to soft, good in places.

Last season Emmet Mullins made a number of successful raids this side of the Irish Sea (think The Shunter and Cape Gentleman) so perhaps it's no surprise to the well-named Rightplacerightime at the head of the market. Rated 108 over hurdles in Ireland, the gelding races off mark of 125 tomorrow after winning a three mile beginners' chase at Fairyhouse 'easily' by seven and a half lengths.

The Charles Byrnes trained Doctor Duffy looks more feasibly treated. With Irish ratings of 147 (chase) and 137 (hurdles), he starts off 139 tomorrow; the majority of his recent runs have been at right-handed tracks. 

Orbys Legend (13/2) is well fancied after winning the Silver Trophy at Chepstow six weeks ago (beat Didtheyleaveuoutto a length) - that race has been a good pointer for this in the past - but, as Maddy Playle points out in the Weekender, Martinhal had Orbys Legend over 13 lengths in arrears at Exeter in February yet David Pipe's horse is currently quoted at 33/1 in places for tomorrow's race.

Prior to that run Martinhal gave Gladiateur Allen five pounds in a maiden hurdle at the Devon track and won three lengths; Mrs Jane Williams' charge is 16/1. 

I'm not sure I quite understand what's going on - little new there - but I'm assuming layers think underfoot conditions won't suit Martinhal.

And look at this... 

Winningseverything finished a neck ahead of Riggs at Aintree last time yet Riggs is 13/2 while the Harry Fry inmate is 40/1 in places. Admittedly, Harry Skelton may have overdone waiting tactics at Aintree over the shorter trip yet Winningseverything lost two places near the finishing line. Wind surgery carried out in the summer seems to have helped the Fry horse; connections fit a tongue-tie for the first-time tomorrow.

Bass Rock won well on seasonal debut at Carlisle three weeks ago for a yard whose runners generally improve for their first run. The handicapper has raised him seven pounds; this will be his first try at this distance.  

Isabel Williams certainly overdid the waiting tactics when finishing second on Dans Le Vent (trained by her father) in a strong-looking renewal of the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las last month. This one was quoted at 18/1 yesterday but is much shorter now.

Stoney Mountain collared my selection Acey Milan to win this race two years ago and I still haven't quite got over it. 

Now with Jamie Snowden, Stoney showed his current well-being by winning a Pertemps qualifier at Newbury 16 days ago, beating Didtheyleaveuoutto three quarters of a length. 

Clearly Nick Gifford's charge is in excellent form this term; after two creditable second places the handicapper has raised him seven pounds.

The Pipe stable has a decent record in this race having collected the spoils on four occasions since the first running in 2005: Grands Crus (2010); Dynaste (2011); Gevrey Chambertin (2013); and Main Fact (2020). I prefer Brinkley to Martinhal; he looks less exposed than a few in the field although all his winning form has come on soft or heavy ground. 

There has only been one winner older than seven - the Philip Hobbs trained Kruzhlinin aged nine in 2016.

Ask Dillon finished sixth behind Mrs Milner in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham in March (reversing Exeter form with Brinkley in twelfth and Chepstow form with Storm Arising in fourteenth). 

His fourth behind Main Fact in this race last year reads well (led two out, headed approaching last) but this season novice chasing plans appear to have gone awry and he was subsequently beaten a fair way out in the bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby three weeks ago. With jockey allowances taken into account he effectively starts off a mark one pound lower than in last year's renewal. 

In a competitive renewal a couple seem overpriced by my reckoning but the two on the short shortlist are Didtheyleaveuoutto and Brinkley. 

The former brings strong recent form to the table, stays, and will handle underfoot conditions. He's priced around the 12/1 mark. 

Tom Scudamore is on record saying ideally connections would want more cut underfoot for Brinkley but at the time of writing this one is quoted 20/1 with Sky Bet who pay six places.

Brinkley is the each-way suggestion. 

Those Easter heebie-jeebies

I just don't quite know what it is but those post-Cheltenham pre-Aintree fixtures always give me with the heebie-jeebies... 

Earlier today Gigginstown House Stud racing manager Eddie O'Leary indicated Tiger Roll will miss the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday and travel over to contest the Betway Bowl at Aintree next Thursday.

As a result the Irish National weights have risen 11 pounds; Latest Exhibition is now set to carry 11-10.

I haven't looked at the race in any great detail but I thought the form of last month's Grand National Trial at Punchestown worth a bit of work.

The Big Dog advertised his chance winning the trial; rider Jamie Codd was all prepared to do his lowest weight for the best part of 17 years if Tiger Roll were to turn up and take his chance but that won't be necessary now.  

The mare Moyhenna met plenty of trouble in running yet finished third that day, just seven lengths behind The Big Dog. Previously she was beaten half a length by Augusta Gold at level weights over a shorter trip at Fairyhouse. 

Taking into account her rider's five pound allowance, she looks weighted to reverse placings with both The Big Dog and Augusta Gold yet at the time of writing she's chalked up a 25/1 chance. 

The reason for the layers' largesse?  Probably her latest run at the Cheltenham Festival - just 17 days ago - in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase; she didn't jump particularly well when fifth behind the likes of Colreevy, Elimay and Shattered Love.   

Roaring Bull was ninth in the Punchestown trial while Discordantly isn't immediately discounted, falling five from home when still in touch with the leaders. This one ran well to finish sixth in the Ultima at Cheltenham but again the worry is the same as with Moyhenna - have they had sufficient time to recover from those Festival exertions?

Another mare I thought worth a second look was the Thomas Mullins trained course and distance winner Court Maid. She has her fair share of weight but turns up fresh and this looks to have been her target.

This side of the Irish Sea, with just seven declared in the Two Mile Hurdle Series Final (2.05 Haydock) Chti Balko is of interest at around the 7/1 mark; Paul Kealy has highlighted his chance in the Weekender. 

Donald McCain's charge has a particular liking for Haydock, as the handler explained in a Straight from the Stable feature [RP Weekender 30.12.20 - 03.01.21]:

"It was great to see him win so easily recently when coming home by 26 lengths at Haydock over 2m on heavy ground. It was his third win at the track, a venue he loves and I would run him there all the time if there were enough races. I genuinely believe he is a 10lb better horse around there."   

After that race, jockey Theo Gillard said:

"Most of Chti Balko's best runs have been around here on bottomless ground. He goes round those bends like a motorbike." 

It would be unwise to put too much store by that win as most of his opponents failed to fire on the day; it will certainly be far more competitive tomorrow. 

Similarly, the gelding won't have his favoured heavy ground, the going currently being described as good to soft on the hurdle course.

And the formbook tells us he can't hope to reverse placings with Shantou Express on last month's Wetherby running (Da Vinci Hand fifth). 

All that said, he's top rated on Racing Post ratings and finished second in the 2018 renewal of this race, beaten just over three lengths trying to concede 25 pounds to stablemate William Of Orange. His record over this trip at the track reads three wins and one second from four runs.

Favourite Vision Du Puy bounced back to form at Stratford last time; the mare has been raised five pounds for that effort and was placed in a Wetherby mares' listed hurdle in 2019. Her price has drifted through the day.

Shantou Express has gone up six pounds for that Wetherby run last time and is feared most.

Sporting first-time cheekpieces Dino Velvet likes to come from off the pace, a style of running that is probably not best suited to this track.

Xcitations has been raised 10 pounds for his recent Fakenham win while Nordic Combined would have a shout on his very best form but has looked inconsistent this term. 

It looks the sort of wager to give even the most sanguine a dose of the heebie-jeebies... 

Chti Balko is the win selection, 7/1 with both Paddy Power and William Hill at the time of writing.  

Haydock's William Hill Grand National Trial 2021

Look, you wouldn't say Notachance was particularly well-named.

Five weeks ago Alan King's charge held Achille half a length to win the Classic Chase at Warwick and prior to that he beat The Two Amigos seven lengths into third in the Anne Duchess of Westminster Memorial Handicap Chase at Bangor-on-Dee. 

Immediately after that latest success the trainer was asked about the Aintree Grand National. Mr King was unequivocal - the Scottish Grand National is his target. 

He subsequently wrote in the Weekender [20-24.01.21]:

"Although I'm not sure whether he'll race again beforehand, I can say for certain he'll not run in the Grand National, this year or ever."

Part owner Tim Leadbeater had a share in West End Rocker who didn't enjoy his excursions over those big Aintree fences back in 2011 and 2012.

Some bookies think Notachance has a favourite's chance in tomorrow's William Hill Grand National Trial (Haydock 2.40) even though, strictly speaking, both Achille and The Two Amigos are weighted to reverse recent form. 

To quote Mr King again:

"Although he [Notachance] doesn't do much when he hits the front, he was always holding the runner-up [Achille] in a race few really got into." 

The gelding also holds an entry in the Swinley Chase (Ascot 2.25) but the Haydock marathon has been nominated as the first preference.

Nobody would begrudge The Two Amigos his day in the limelight. 

Nicky Martin's charge races prominently, jumps for fun and found only Secret Reprieve too good in the re-arranged Welsh Grand National six weeks ago (Lord Du Mesnil ninth, reported to have shown signs of post-race heat stress; Ramses De Teillee tailed off in twelfth). He finished fourth behind Smooth Stepper in last year's race here and can be expected to improve on that effort. 

Course and distance winner Lord Du Mesnil looked the winner of last year's race as they turned for home but the petrol gauge started to show empty at the penultimate flight and he was collared after the last. 

Richard Hobson's charge was racing off a mark of 147 that day - ten pounds above his previous winning mark. He hasn't been in quite the same form this term and has been withdrawn from a couple of possible engagements on account of the ground.

Both Potters Legend and Perfect Candidate may be getting on a bit but they both like this track.

The former finished second last time, a long way behind Royal Pagaille who is now as low as 6/1 with Sky Bet for next month's Gold Cup, while the latter beat Fortified Bay 45 lengths over course and distance in November.

Enqarde has certainly made his mark over here since coming from over there in France. 

On four runs to date for new connections he has won twice, been beaten a neck into second, and unseated in the race won by Sam's Adventure here in December. He won 'comfortably' off mark of 124 at Ascot last time and has been raised eight pounds. With Charlie Hammond claiming three, he's open to further improvement (as they say) racing off a featherweight on his first try at an extended trip.

With just four chase starts to his name, Sojourn has the least experience over the larger obstacles. His second behind Sam's Adventure reads well - he looked the winner for much of the trip that day. The yard has been quite quiet of late.

Four weeks ago Venetia Williams' stable jockey Charlie Deutsch preferred to go to Ascot to ride Espoir De Guye (fourth) and Fanion D'Estruval (fourth) rather than to go to Haydock to ride Royal Pagaille -Tom Scudamore was the principal beneficiary. Charlie will be hoping he has made the right decision this time - Venetia sends Yalltari (Daryl Jacob) and Cloudy Glen (Tom Scudamore) to Ascot.

On revised terms Achille meets Notachance three pounds better off for half a length although, as Mr King indicated, his charge doesn't do a lot when in front. Even so, that was a decent seasonal debut from Venetia's grey and there could be a bit more to come. 

Unfortunately the price has contracted slowly during the day but with Sky Bet paying four places Achille is the each-way suggestion (15/2 quoted at the time of writing). 

Footnote:

There may not be too much value in Achille's price but Sub Lieutenant looks overpriced at 40/1 with Paddy Power / Betfair paying four places in the "My Oddsboost" on Betfair Swinley Chase (Ascot 2.25). 

Formerly with Henry De Bromhead, the gelding is now trained in Tenbury Wells on the Worcestershire / Shropshire border by Georgie Howell. Fourth over this course and distance behind Mister Malarky on his first run for new connections, he was beaten just under 10 lengths. Tabitha Worsley is well worth her five pound claim and the trainer has hinted they intend to adopt more aggressive riding tactics tomorrow. The long term aim is the Grand National.

The 2021 running of the Peter Marsh Chase

Earlier this week 93mm of rain fell on Haydock Park; most of us expected the worst yet when clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright walked the track on Thursday morning he indicated 'we are fit to race', something he went on to describe as 'a minor miracle'.

Frost now appears the main threat; a precautionary inspection has been called at 8.00 am.

10 have been declared for the Peter Marsh Chase (2.40); unsurprisingly the going is described as heavy.

An analysis I've read of Royale Pagaille's victory at Kempton over Christmas talks of  'a performance of some note' indicating the horse 'won't look out of place in Graded company'.

It's no surprise therefore to see Venetia Williams' charge priced up favourite but the gelding has been raised 16 pounds for that effort and now sits on a mark of 156. There's Gold Cup talk in the background as well, with layers quoting odds of 50/1 for the Cheltenham showpiece in March.

So I still haven't quite worked out why regular pilot Charlie Deutsch has decided to go to Ascot to ride Espoir De Guye (3.00) and Fanion D'Estruval (3.35). Did Charlie, like the rest of us, expect Haydock to be abandoned? Or does he prefer his chances at Ascot?

Granted, carrying top weight on heavy ground is never an easy task - the last horse to carry 11-10 to victory in this race was Cloudy Lane in 2009 - and at times the jumping at Kempton looked sticky and a cause for some concern. 

Bristol De Mai won the 2017 renewal at the age of six (off a mark of 154) but the last seven-year-old to come home in front was Scotton Banks in 1996.

I tend to go for one with a bit of experience over the fences in this and I note a number in this field look decidedly short on that particular kind of experience - Acey Milan has just three chase starts to his name, Sam Brown four (and also races beyond three miles for the first time), Lamanver Pippin five, and Sam's Adventure eight.

Sam's Adventure has creditable claims on the back of his win over course and distance in the Tommy Whittle five weeks ago. Brian Ellison's charge jumped well that day and at is now rated six pounds higher at 139.

It's also worth noting that in this limited handicap the bottom five runners all carry more than their long handicap weight; course and distance winner Potters Legend isn't lightly dismissed while Claud And Goldie finished fourth in last year's renewal and looks to have been trained specifically for this.

Crievehill won over this course and distance in November 2019 but hasn't been in the same form since; he didn't jump well in Royale Pagaille's race at Kempton last time and was beaten 36 lengths.

In a Straight from the Stable article in the Weekender [25-29.11.20] handler Charlie Longsdon says of Just Your Type:

"He is a big and slow chaser, but despite his physique he does not appreciate the ground too soft."

This one went well enough on soft ground in the Scottish Borders National at Kelso the following week but started to struggle around the three and a half mile mark and was eventually pulled up; connections fit blinkers for the first time.

I'm going to take an each-way interest in the Smooth Stepper, not so much as a hat tip to my own idiosyncratic prowess displayed on various dancefloors of the north west's discotheque circuit during the early1980s, but more in recognition of the favour the beast did me at Kelso the best part of three years ago.

I missed him (at odds of 33/1) when he stayed on to beat Lord Du Mensil in the Grand National Trial here last year and he was well beaten behind Vieux Lion Rouge in the Becher at Aintree last month.

The handicapper has relented and dropped him two pounds for that latest effort; he goes off 140 tomorrow, having won the Grand National Trial off 136, and Alex Hales has his string in good form.

All that said, the Stepper is no spring chicken - Our Vic won the 2010 renewal aged 12 - and the worry is he'll struggle to keep tabs on younger, better-fancied runners and get behind. 

I'm hoping the heavy, heavy ground will slow down the speedier sorts, allowing his stamina to come into play... 

Smooth Stepper is the each-way selection. Earlier today I saw 16/1 on offer but that price has disappeared; at the time of writing both William Hill and Sky Bet quote 11/1 and pay one fifth the odds four places.  

Tommy Whittle and the Christmas whatchamacallits

Christmas is going to be different this year. Small. No trifle. No postprandial port either. The whochamacallits won't be calling round with their Christmas whatchamacallits; every cloud, I suppose...

Here's a quick look at the Tommy Whistle Chase to whet your whittle. Have I said that right? Anyway, ten declared for the 2.40 at Haydock tomorrow where the going is described as heavy (with heavier bits in places, no doubt). 

Last year the distance of this race was extended from two miles seven furlongs to three miles one and a half furlongs; Lord Du Mensil collected the spoils carrying 10-5.

Of those near the head of the market, Sojourn looks the one guaranteed to stay the trip on this sort of ground, having won at Carlisle on seasonal debut (Roll Again beaten over 95 lengths in fifth, Sam's Adventure pulled up). The handicapper has raised Anthony Honeyball's charge 11 pounds for that effort; in two of his three chase starts minor jumping issues have been referenced in the formbook- stumbled after the last when second at Chepstow 12 months ago and then at Carlisle pecked on landing at the sixth and clear when blundered two out.

Hill Sixteen just caught Lil Rockerfeller in a three mile handicap hurdle on good ground at Newbury three weeks ago; that looked a hard enough race. Winner of a three mile point-to-point, this is the first time the horse races over this extended distance.

Top weight Roll Again has won at Ludlow since defeat behind Sojourn at Carlisle and meets that opponent 10 pounds better off tomorrow. It's noticeable that when trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland and since moving to Venetia Williams' yard in Herefordshire, his racing for the most part has been on right-handed tracks. 

Enqarde has plenty of French chase form around two and a half miles to his name and appears to have settled into new surroundings very quickly, having finished second in a novices' handicap hurdle at Ascot before winning a novice hurdle at Newcastle nine days ago. He could be anything; with Cillin Leonard's seven pounds claim, the partnership has a racing weight of just 10-2.

I'm not convinced Crixus's Escape or Salty Boy will last home (Salty Boy's form behind Sevarano looks respectable with Mahlervous winning at Kelso next time) but Pop Rockstar, twelfth behind Potters Corner in last year's Welsh National, should have no worries on that score. He's the only one in the field who can boast course winning form yet, on balance, his profile appears inconsistent; beaten a short head behind Court Dreaming on seasonal debut, he was subsequently pulled up in Snow Leopardess' race over this course and distance four weeks ago. I just wonder whether he might prefer better ground.

With Sam's Adventure out of form so far this season, I've concentrated on Highest Sun and Lord Napier - and watched the prices of both contract after final declarations were made yesterday.  

Last season the former finished third behind Champ and second behind Pym before winning a two runner chase over this sort of trip on heavy ground at Plumpton off a mark of 142; he subsequently went on to finish seventh behind Imperial Aura at the Festival in March. That form reads well; he looks dangerous off 134 although there have been issues at the obstacles in the past.

Lord Napier finished fifth behind If The Cap Fits in the 2019 Aintree Stayers' Hurdle off 144. There was a hint of a revival last time at Chepstow on his third start over fences where a mistake at the fourth last didn't help the cause; he was probably a little flattered to finish second but off a mark of 132 he's another that looks well-treated.

At the time of writing Highest Sun is 9/1 with both bet365 and William Hill. I've just received some quite unfortunate Christmas news (see below) - Highest Sun has to be a win selection.

**

What's this? An email invite from the whochamacallits to a Zoom meet scheduled for 14:30 on Boxing Day? Good Lord! I thought I'd got away with it. What about the King George? 

And in a further manifestation of the sort of misguided decision-making a bout of false febrile festive festivity can lead to, I've just learnt that the bosses at Zoom have removed the 40 minute call limit on their free accounts so that 'those connecting with friends and family won't get cut short'. 

It never rains but it pours - enough to bring on an unsolicited attack of the Christmas whatchamacallits.

Season's greetings.

Wrexham riddles and a Haydock longshot

My hometown football club has been in the news this week.

As a counter to a number of meretricious articles that have appeared in the media, I bring to your attention a more prosaic, widely ignored piece entitled 'Wrexham wrelegated' - written in 2008 following relegation from the Football League - in which brief details of my own personal association with Wrexham Association Football Club are recorded. 

A former colleague thinks he may have detected early signs of 'Disneyfication' at the club, a concept I'm now coming to terms with, although I've had to call upon previously untapped reserves of tact and discretion to prevent myself from pointing out to him we've been playing a Mickey Mouse brand of football (in a cartoon strip) for years.

On the back of all that I considered making the case for a Disneyesque runner from those competing tomorrow - Heart Of A Lion (Huntingdon 11.45), Sumkindofking (Haydock 3.35), The Turtle Said (Huntingdon 3.43) and Printing Dollars (Ascot 1.30) were all in the mix but, in the end, I decided to look for an outsider in the Betfair Racing Only Bettor Handicap Hurdle at Haydock, due off at 1.50.

Seventeen have been declared with the going described as soft, good to soft in places on the hurdles course; this race is scheduled to be run over brush hurdles.

It's no surprise to see Kid Commando at the head of the market following a facile victory at Ascot three weeks ago (Dear Sire 23 lengths adrift in fourth). I've seen the name of Anthony Honeyball's charge in a number of 'Horses to Follow' lists, with tipsters keen to point to the gelding's third in the Dovecote at Kempton in February. The handicapper raised his mark seven pounds to 143 after Ascot; he shares top weight with Forest Bihan but the step up in trip is thought likely to suit. In the past seven renewals the winner has come from the first four in the betting; over the past decade comparing winning weight figures against entries, the victor is over two times more likely to shoulder 11-00 or more. 

Shake Em Up'Arry made all to win unchallenged at Ffos Las last time while Arrivederci waved goodbye to all his opponents when coming home two and three quarter lengths ahead of War Lord at Wetherby. On The Wild Side is another in the field who likes to race from the front and enters the fray here with two victories in Hexham novice hurdles to his name.

The Harry Skelton trained Flash The Steel is given every respect having won the 2019 running of the Silver Trophy at Chepstow, subsequently finishing second in this year's renewal behind the well-regarded Tea Clipper; he was beaten a long way over an extended trip in last year's renewal of tomorrow's 2.25 race.

I'm not quite sure what to make of Umbrigado on his seasonal debut but I note that Tom Scudamore is booked to ride at Huntingdon - Seymour Promise and Sizing Cuisimano for Colin Tizzard; Kentucky Hardboot for Mohamed Moubarak. 

Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Fix Sun can be expected to improve for soft ground on this his second run following wind surgery after he trailed in next to last of 19 runners behind Captain Tom Cat (Our Power sixth) at Cheltenham last month. 

Our Power is talented but not entirely straightforward while course winner Ebony Jewel makes his seasonal and also likes to race prominently.

In a race with so many front-runners Kaizer, regularly taken down to the start early, won't mind a hold-up ride; Billy Garrity claims three and the partnership have just 10-1 to shoulder. 

Racing on good ground at Chepstow in early October Dear Sire beat Le Ligerien nine lengths into third (fourth Stimulating Song a winner at Cheltenham last weekend) - seven pound claimer Theo Gillard was in the plate that day. Champion jockey Brian Hughes takes over tomorrow and Philip Hobbs' charge looks weighted to reverse the form. 

'Obbs' 'orses weren't running all that well at the time but they're operating at a better win strike rate now; course winner Le Ligerien has previously won over this distance and should also appreciate the ease in underfoot conditions. 

It's likely to be brutal up front from the off but Richard Johnson's mount looks competitive on Racing Post ratings and on the clock; I'm hopeful he can outrun odds of 20/1 currently available with William Hill who pay six places on this race.

Le Ligerien is the each-way selection.

What chance a happy ending to this particular Disney tale?