Architect Tips provides four tips covering the action at Haydock's Betfair Chase Day.
12:08 Haydock
The unbeaten ROADLESSTRAVELLED was impressive on his return at Wetherby and can extend his winning sequence by taking the Grade 2 Newton Novices' Hurdle in his stride.
There’s no doubt that he is a chaser in the making, but this expensive purchase has looked relentless in winning both of his hurdles starts and has plenty more in the tank now upped in grade.
Today’s long home straight should suit this powerful unit, who will be equipped to make this a test when push comes to shove. He can pass this test with flying colours.
13:15 Haydock
STEEL ALLY is progressing with each start, and having performed well to finish third in the Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle on his final start last term, he reappeared with a fine second in the Welsh Champion Hurdle.
Himself and stablemate Lump Sum pulled miles clear of the remainder, and although the latter caught him out for a turn of foot, he rallied gamely to finish pretty close to the winner last time out, suggesting a step up in trip would suit.
He may be up 3lb, but he’s expected to improve from that latest reappearance, and Dylan Johnston can take off 3lb, meaning he’s technically on the same mark as last time. I think he’s a major player for trainer Sam Thomas being his only runner on the card.
13:50 Haydock
Last seen finishing runner-up in the Grade 1 Mildmay at Aintree on his final outing last term, IROKO is strongly selected to make a winning return to action here.
The six-year-old’s long-term target this campaign is the Grand National, but I reckon he can achieve quite a bit before then, including by taking this contest.
He’s won on his last two seasonal reappearances and has made the frame in a pair of Grade 1’s since winning the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
Being the highest-rated runner in the field, with form at the highest level and more to come this season being only six, he can take the scalp of some exciting opposition.
15:05 Haydock
The Betfair Chase can see AHOY SENOR resume winning ways in Grade 1 company. Despite not being the most fluent of jumpers at times, there’s no doubt Lucinda Russell’s charge is a class act on his day.
This dual Grade 1 winner caught the eye with a staying on third in the Old Roan Chase on his comeback run last month, and this course should suit him well.
Ratings suggest he’s the best horse in the field, so if he can keep the errors at bay, his class could see him come out on top. He’s excellent value at the odds.
