UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

LE LIGERIEN absolutely bolted up at Newbury earlier this week under Ben Jones and it is no surprise to see the seven-year-old turned out quickly given the dominance of that display. He clearly enjoys getting his toe into some deep ground, and is fancied to defy a 7lb penalty for Philip Hobbs. Bonne Question is another with a good record in such conditions and is sure to be handed a positive ride, while Vengeur De Guye and Flamboyant Joyaux are others who make some appeal.
Prediction : 1st Le Ligerien 2nd Bonne Question 3rd Flamboyant Joyaux

JOKE DANCER has already tasted success at this venue over fences for Sue Smith and could claim a hat-trick on ground that suits the seven-year-old. He should appreciate this step up in trip and is narrowly preferred to Knight In Dubai, who is also on three-timer but might not appreciate such a testing terrain. Sam Brown was mightily impressive on his chase debut at Lingfield but needs to avoid the 'bounce' factor on just his second start for over two years, while Windsor Avenue arrives with a point to prove after a disappointing display at Doncaster.
Prediction : 1st Joke Dancer 2nd Knight In Dubai 3rd Windsor Avenue

EDWARDSTONE has some impressive form in the book having accounted for Tolworth winner Fiddlerontheroof at Wincanton in November, while his victory over Harry Senior, an easy Chepstow scorer over Christmas, also looks solid. He wasn't far behind the smart Chantry House in a bumper before that and everything points towards a big effort now that he is upped in class. Thebannerkingrebel has tasted success here before having landing Listed honours earlier in the season, while Stolen Silver, who has a Betfair Hurdle entry, is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Edwardstone 2nd Thebannerkingrebel 3rd Stolen Silver

MIDNIGHT TUNE has taken a step forward on her last couple of starts over fences since encountering heavy ground, winning at Uttoxeter over 3m and at Exeter when dropped back to an extended 2m1f, and this versatile performer is of considerable interest back in handicap company. Geronimo returned from a break in good style over an inadequate trip at Newcastle and this stamina test is likely to see him to best effect, while Prime Venture's fourth in the Welsh National can see him in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Tune 2nd Geronimo 3rd Prime Venture

Triumph Hurdle winner PENTLAND HILLS shaped like the best horse when fifth in the International on his return to action at Cheltenham, travelling and jumping well throughout before appearing to blow up after the last. Connections have been positive about his well-being since that performance and he can take the step forward required with that outing under his belt. Darasso has emerged as a potential dark horse in this division and is open to progression on just his fifth start for Joseph O'Brien, while Fighting Fifth hero Cornerstone Lad claimed the scalp of Buveur D'Air and is likely to make this a true test.
Prediction : 1st Pentland Hills 2nd Darasso 3rd Cornerstone Lad

Le Coeur Net has been running consistently well in recent months and he should be in the mix once again, although preference is for ARD CHROS. The eight-year-old was an impressive nine-length winner at Ayr earlier this month and a 7lb rise in the ratings for that success is fair. Others to consider are Clan Legend, Fiddlers Bow and Ubaltique.
Prediction : 1st Ard Chros 2nd Le Coeur Net 3rd Clan Legend

TAKINGRISKS was last seen accounting for some useful rivals in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November off a mark of 143 and the three-time hurdles winner has to be respected off an 8lb lower rating. Silva Eclipse should handle these conditions and he could prove to be the main threat, ahead of Mount Mews and Deja Vue.
Prediction : 1st Takingrisks 2nd Silva Eclipse 3rd Mount Mews