UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

HILL OF TARA twice won easily in November and only found one too good on his hat-trick bid over an extended 2m4f at Southwell last time. The step up to 3m could bring about further improvement from the six-year-old and he merits the utmost respect here. That said, Shoeshine Boy has been knocking on the door of late and is an obvious threat, while Chris Cool is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Hill Of Tara 2nd Shoeshine Boy 3rd Chris Cool

Norman Fletcher has to be of interest following two recent victories but the vote goes to BERTIE'S BALLET. The five-year-old chased home a rival who was subsequently second in a Grade 1 at Aintree on Boxing Day on his most recent outing and that form gives him a big chance here. The rest all need to improve to score but Jo Arengeot Bey Aa should not be written off on his hurdling bow.
Prediction : 1st Berties Ballet 2nd Norman Fletcher 3rd Jo Arengeot Bey Aa

FORTESCUE displayed plenty of promise when fourth in a competitive event at Chepstow on his return to action three weeks ago and Henry Daly's charge is hard to oppose off a 1lb lower mark here. Robyndzone fell at Sandown last time but is a player based on his previous Ludlow success, while Collectors Item and East Street could also go well.
Prediction : 1st Fortescue 2nd Robyndzone 3rd Collectors Item

Step Above can make further strides forward now he is tried in first-time blinkers, while Southern Sam has proven to be consistent in this discipline and is likely to have benefitted form his return to action at Wetherby last month. However, PRESENTING JEREMY also has bags of scope to progress as a chaser and, having blown the cobwebs away with a spin over an inadequate 2m4f at Carlisle, he is fancied to have a much bigger impact now back up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Presenting Jeremy 2nd Step Above 3rd Southern Sam

START IN FRONT responded kindly for William Maggs when they teamed up in a conditional jockeys' race at Market Rasen 23 days ago and another big run can be expected despite a 3lb rise. The longer trip is a slight a concern for the selection but, given Maggs can utilise his full 7lb claim today, there is good reason to keep the faith. Punta Del Este drops in class and is feared most after a solid effort off the same mark at Sandown last time, while Ayr novice winner Fortescue Wood is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Start In Front 2nd Punta Del Este 3rd Fortescue Wood

HAPPY AND FINE improved from his first to second start over fences when scoring over this distance at Leicester last time out and a 3lb rise could prove lenient as he looks to follow up. That may be at the main expense of the relatively consistent Ned Tanner and Regal Blue, who shaped with promise when not beaten far on his own chasing bow at Leicester earlier in the month.
Prediction : 1st Happy And Fine 2nd Regal Blue 3rd Ned Tanner

This can go the way of SAN FRANDISCO, who must hold every chance if building upon a strong runner-up effort on his Rules debut at Chepstow last month. Going by his pedigree, Jamie Snowden's charge should be able to handle heavy ground and he is taken to see off NH newcomer Rossbridge, who has also won a point-to-point. Maggies Boy is another to note for market support as he makes his racecourse debut.
Prediction : 1st San Frandisco 2nd Rossbridge 3rd Maggies Boy