UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

Placed on both starts since joining new connections in October, SCHALKE sets the standard on form and this looks like an ideal opportunity to gain a first success since December 2022. The nine-year-old gets the vote ahead of Bushypark, who has strong claims if bouncing back to the form of his penultimate second at Kelso, and Lady In The Park. Not in action since last September and a winner at Cartmel on stable debut, Tiger Jet cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Schalke 2nd Bushypark 3rd Lady In The Park

INDEEVAR BLEU stepped forward from first to second start over hurdles when scoring comfortably at Leicester last time out and he can follow up under a 6lb penalty for in-form connections. A winner at Stratford on his hurdles bow before disappointing over further at Aintree, Glynn Brae is a major player along with Desert Halo, who ran a career-best when second at Ludlow last time out.
Prediction : 1st Indeevar Bleu 2nd Glynn Brae 3rd Desert Halo

It is difficult to look past CLASSIC MAESTRO, who is in the form of his life at present and proved his liking for this track when easily scoring in a match race last week. Stepping up in trip may eke out further improvement, and he can land the four-timer at the main expense of Idalko Bihoue, who has been winless since October 2023 and drops in class having contested the Grand Sefton in November. A comfortable winner of this contest last year, Happy And Fine must enter calculations again off 4lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Classic Maestro 2nd Idalko Bihoue 3rd Happy And Fine

WAL BUCK'S went agonisingly close to opening his account over fences when beaten only a neck in a fight to the line at Wetherby. The Lucinda Russell-trained five-year-old has plenty of scope for further progress and another bold bid is anticipated. A maiden hurdle winner at Bangor, Galassian has also won between the flags. He can feature on his debut over regulation fences, while Broomfield Present won off today's mark here over hurdles in 2023 and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back to form.
Prediction : 1st Wal Bucks 2nd Galassian 3rd Broomfield Present

SMART DECISION returned the convincing winner over hurdles at Doncaster on his racecourse debut. Another good account seems assured from Tim Easterby's charge, despite carrying a penalty, and he is taken to edge out Eagles Reprieve. The latter also made a winning debut when landing a bumper at Wetherby and connections waste no time sending him over timber, while the newcomer Itstonitejosephine represents Nicky Henderson's powerful team and should be noted for any significant support in the betting market.
Prediction : 1st Smart Decision 2nd Eagles Reprieve 3rd Itstonitejosephine

GABORIOT has generally been consistent over fences, with his splendid third-placed finish off 1lb lower in the Grand Sefton at Aintree in November underlining how versatile he is regarding distance. However, arguably even better when the emphasis is more on stamina, this longer trip could see the eight-year-old return to winning ways. Montgomery's yard won this race last year and commands respect given he should be sharper after his return at Sandown last month. The well-handicapped Fantastikas is another must for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Gaboriot 2nd Montgomery 3rd Fantastikas

BERTIE'S BALLET was well backed when finishing a respectable second over this C&D nine days ago and the hint is taken that a quick return with cheekpieces added could see the Dianne Sayer-trained gelding shrug off a 2lb rise to go one place better. For Pleasure has won off much higher marks and also needs serious thought, while The Grafter is far less exposed and would also be highly tempting if supported in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Berties Ballet 2nd For Pleasure 3rd The Grafter