Haydock hosts the one and only, annual mixed programme of racing on Saturday with five flat contests and three national hunt events making up a strong eight-race card
The feature at 3,15pm, the Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle, a Premier Handicap over just shy of 2m for four-year-olds and upwards with a large and competitive 17-runner field declared.
The Sussex Champion Hurdle (handicap) staged at Plumpton on Easter Sunday last month could be the key form-line heading into Saturday's jumping feature contest. The winner that day, Teddy Blue, jumped well throughout (something he hasn't always done) and just prevailed to score by a short-head from the re-opposing Get Back Get Back, who made eye-catching late headway. The longer run-in at Haydock could play to the latter's advantage. However, Caoilin Quinn takes off 5lb on the former and the pair could easily feature again if repeating that form. The third at Plumpton was Aucunrisque, who posted a strong effort 34 days ago and this seven-year-old did win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (Premier handicap) in February.
Irish-raider Byker is one of the market leaders after an excellent neck second in the Fred Winter Juvenile handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the four-year-old is still open to further progress.
Brentford Hope showed plenty of ability on the flat including a course win and a pair of placings in French Group 3's in 2021. The six-year-old has enjoyed a promising and consistent spell since sent hurdling season with three runner-up efforts for Richard Hughes, before winning on his stable debut for Harry Derham at Wincanton and following up in good style at Huntingdon.
A competitive handicap hurdle which can sometimes provide a shock winner with two of the last three renewals being priced 20-1 or bigger.
