2.05 Haydock

Elgin is unbeaten in both his starts over hurdles – both of which were achieved in good times – and the Haydock bumper winner will be tough to beat if he takes to the Brush hurdles. However, he is reluctantly overlooked in preference for NEON WOLF (Best price 5-2) who has looked an exceptional prospect this term in a Uttoxeter bumper and Exeter novice hurdle and his experience in the point-to-point field could stand him in good stead now he tackles today’s obstacles. The ground will be no issue for Harry Fry’s improving novice and he could upset the likely favourite.

Neon Wolf - 1pt @ 5/2

2.40 Haydock

Perhaps rather unfairly, THE NEW ONE (Best price 2-1) has suffered his fair level of criticism in the past, but he has won this event for the last two years and is unbeaten in three starts at today’s venue; not bad for a supposed failure. The selection was the victim of some rather clever team tactics when softened up by My Tent Or Yours from a long way out in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton he and could be tough to beat if allowed to dominate here. The deeper ground shout suit and there is a chance his festive target came a little too quick after his Cheltenham reappearance. L’Ami Serge drops back in trip here following a decent effort in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham and his chasing experience should stand him in good stead over these hurdles, whoever The New One is surely a better horse over hurdles.

The New One - 2pts @ 2/1

3.15 Haydock

BRISTOL DE MAI (Best price 5-1) faded a little tamely in the closing stages of a valuable Newcastle handicap last time but I’m hopeful the switch to a flat track and a return to Haydock can work the oracle today. Daryl Jacob made plenty of use of the grey that day and I wonder if the combination paid for the aggressive tactics in the closing stages. Haydock is much more a front-runner’s track and, with the form boosted by the subsequent success of Definitly Red, Bristol De Mai is worth backing each-way as he is yet to finish out of the front two in 10 starts over fences.
BISHOPS ROAD (Best price 14-1) was only a place behind Definitly Red at Newcastle and it would be remiss not to have a small saver at a big price about a horse who has already won over Haydock’s fences on deep ground. Kerry Lee’s horses are flying now after a slow start and he is only a big price because he blew out in the Welsh National.

Read Sam Turner's tips in the Daily Mail every day or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing

Bristol De Mai - 1pt e/w @ 5/1
Bishops Road - 0.5pts e/w @ 14/1