Haydock
13:50
THE GET DAILY REWARDS WITH BETFAIR GRADUATION STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m51⁄2f
This can go the way of HITMAN (2) who went down narrowly in the G2 Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Newbury on reappearance. The Paul Nicholls yard could hardly be in any better form at present and his unexposed six-year-old has plenty to spare over his rivals on official ratings. MINELLA DRAMA (4) finished a solid runner-up at Carlisle in Listed company last-time-out and could be the one to chase the selection home. The formerly smart ITCHY FEET (3) has a few lengths to find with Hitman but remains preferred to ERNE RIVER (1).
14:25
THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE STAYERS’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 3m1⁄2f
It was quite an impressive display from GOOD RISK AT ALL (6) when he bolted up at Carlisle on testing ground 20 days ago. A small rise in the weights may well underestimate Sam Thomas’ charge and this lightly-raced six-year-old can go close with further improvement likely stepping up in trip. RUN FOR OSCAR (1) ran out a facile winner of a competitive Newmarket handicap on the flat when last seen and he cannot be ignored back over hurdles for shrewd Irish connections. MIGHT I (8) finished runner-up in the G1 Mersey Novices Hurdle at Aintree in April and has to be taken seriously on reappearance and handicap bow. COMPLETE UNKNOWN (10) is worthy of strong consideration.
15:00
THE BETFAIR STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (Registered as The Lancashire Steeple Chase) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 3m11⁄2f
All eyes will be on last seasons G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner A PLUS TARD (1) as he kicks off his campaign. Henry de Bromhead’s stable star won this last season in emphatic style and can do so again with plenty to spare over main market rival PROTEKTORAT (5) on official ratings. The Dan Skelton-trained seven-year-old remains open to improvement and looks the likely danger having ran well when third behind the selection in the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup. BRISTOL DE MAI (2) won this in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and needs respect with the ground to suit. ELDORADO ALLEN (3) finished a good runner-up in the G2 Charlie Hall Chase but will need more to feature. A super race for National Hunt fans.
15:35
THE BEST ODDS ON THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 3m11⁄2f
This is likely to be a fair test of stamina and that should suit LORD DU MESNIL (2). Richard Hobson’s previous course and distance winner came up against a very well handicapped rival when second at Bangor-on-Dee on his return to action. That run should put him spot on for this and with the extra yardage and soft ground to suit, everything looks in favour for a big run. The improving HOUSTON TEXAS (11) commands consideration following a nice handicap chase win at Carlisle (heavy) while MUSICAL SLAVE (8) should be involved on reappearance having finished last
