Thomas Hodgson takes you through the Haydock feature on Saturday…
1 – Ahoy Senor (L Russell/ D R Fox)
Eyecatcher over an inadequate trip on seasonal reappearance carrying top weight in the 2m4f Grade 2 Old Roan Chase. Should strip fitter for that run but struggles to appeal with an inconsistent record following nine consecutive defeats. Perhaps best watched on this occasion given a tendency to improve later in the season.
2 – Bravemansgame (S Twiston-Davies/ P F Nicholls)
One-time Gold Cup runner-up who has since struggled to recapture that form. Appeared workmanlike in defeat on seasonal reappearance in the 3m Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase. First-time booking of Sam Twiston-Davies and the application of blinkers could be the changes required to reignite that spark.
3 – Capodanno (B Hayes/ W P Mullins)
Fascinating late supplementation for owner JP McManus and trainer Willie Mullins' first ever Betfair Chase runner. 3m1f Grade 2 Cotswold Chase winner but will need to improve to hold his own in this company having failed to make his presence felt in three attempts at Grade 1 level. Market check advised.
4 – Gold Tweet (G Leenders/ G Meunier)
Interesting French raider who is one-from-two in Britain. Winner of the 2023 3m Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle beating Dashel Drasher and Paisley Park. Connections have indicated that they bypassed the Grade 1 Prix La Haye Jousselin in favour of the Betfair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup would be the main objective. Has plenty to find on recent form but better ground will surely suit.
5 – Grey Dawning (D Skelton/ H Skelton)
Grade 1 winning novice chaser and Britain's leading Gold Cup hope at this stage of the season. Missed intended seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby due to ground concerns which raises questions if conditions remain good on Saturday. Won three of six chase starts in impressive fashion and looks poised to improve stepping back up to 3m. Worthy favourite.
6 – Hewick (JJ Hanlon/ G Sheehan)
Likeable Grade 1 King George VI Chase winner. Ran with credit last time out placing second in the 3m Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase but emptied out in the home straight – likely to come on for that run. Good ground will suit and should be in the money if race is run to suit.
7 – Royal Pagaille (V Williams/ C Deutsch)
Winner of last years renewal and posts impressive form figures of 11211 at Haydock. Unbeaten at the Lancashire venue on ground softer than good making him a betting proposition if the weather takes a turn for the worse. 301 days off the track through injury would be a concern.
8 – The Real Whacker (P Neville/ B S Hughes)
Arrives in fine form on the back of making all to land the 3m Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Holds a fitness edge on majority of the field which connections have been keen to emphasise. Inconsistent type although ground should suit.
9 – Limerick Lace (G Cromwell/ K M Donoghue)
Grade 2 2m4f Mares' Chase winner. Has yet to score over three miles but was a strong second at Navan in the Troytown Handicap. Benefits from the 7lb mares' allowance and a very effective performer in the mud. The seven-year-old is unexposed over the trip and could prove to be progressive. Not ruled out.
