Haydock
13:30
Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle – 1m71⁄2f
An interesting renewal of this G2 Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices Hurdle. It was tough not to be impressed with PEMBROKE (4) who carried a penalty delivering a 16L novice hurdle success at Ludlow and the Dan Skelton-trained son of Blue Bresil handled heavy ground winning at Wetherby prior.
Selected to manage this rise in grade.
The unbeaten CHASING FIRE (1) looked good scoring by a wide margin at Market Rasen and commands respect.This will clearly ask more of impressive debutant TOOTHLESS (5) however it would be no surprise were he up to the task while WAR SOLDIER (6) can offer some each-way value. A superb race with plenty of exciting novices on show.
14:05
New One Unibet Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Champion Hurdle Trial Race) – 1m71⁄2f
Although heavy ground probably isn’t ideal for EPATANTE (6) she can handle conditions and sets a tall standard when including her mares’ allowance. The Nicky Henderson mare encountered arguably the best hurdler going in her past two outings and can return to winning ways down in grade. Dropping back in trip looks a major plus for I LIKE TO MOVE IT (1) who rates the main danger as having failed to stay in the G2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham. Musselburgh (chase) winner MINELLA DRAMA (5) holds place claims back hurdling and JASON THE MILITANT (4) is one for the multiples. The old against the new, who will come out on top? EPATANTE is the one to pass.
14:40
Peter Marsh Handicap Chase – 3m11⁄2f
Haydock stalwart BRISTOL DE MAI (1) revisits handicap company following a well-beaten fourth in the G1 Betfair Chase in November. The five-time course winner gives weight away but is the class act in this field and could be up to the task with heavy conditions to suit.FONTAINE COLLONGES (4) stayed on gallantly scoring over course and distance before a good fourth at Kempton. Rates a major threat back tackling this stiffer test. EMPIRE STEEL (2) shaped better than the bare result when seventh at Aintree and looks to be on a workable mark. DR KANANGA (3) will also appreciate the conditions.
