UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

NO NO TANGO readily accounted for a subsequent winner when scoring on his debut for Harry Derham at Wincanton last month. This is a competitive event and an 8lb rise is a concern, but it would be no surprise to see the eight-year-old earn another victory here. Taras Halls also won impressively when last seen and could prove to be the main danger, although Margaret's Legacy and Ned Tanner should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st No No Tango 2nd Taras Halls 3rd Margarets Legacy

OH MY JOHNNY made amends for a final-flight departure when leading two starts ago with an impressive success over 2m at Uttoxeter last time. Now switched to handicaps, the five-year-old may be underestimated by an opening mark of 116. Any market support for Ninth Loch on his debut for this yard would have to be noted, while Bertie's Ballet is likely to be in the mix based on two encouraging C&D efforts last month.
Prediction : 1st Oh My Johnny 2nd Ninth Loch 3rd Berties Ballet

I AM MAX remains unexposed and showed plenty of promise when filling second place on his return to hurdles at Kelso a few weeks ago. A 1lb rise for that display is fair, especially as he may have more improvement left to come. Solar System is a progressive gelding who has won two of his last three starts and is an obvious threat to the selection. Others to note are Clondaw Royale, North Parade and Honneur D'Ajonc.
Prediction : 1st I Am Max 2nd Solar System 3rd Clondaw Royale

ROYAL INFANTRY was the first British-trained horse past the post in the Champion Bumper last year and has developed that talent since tackling hurdles. Easy wins at Chepstow and over C&D have boosted his confidence ahead of this return to Graded company and another dominant display might book him his Cheltenham ticket. Dedicated Hero put a surprise Carlisle defeat behind him when scoring comfortably at Kelso, although Cloonainra could be the one for forecast backers following an excellent second in a competitive Leopardstown handicap.
Prediction : 1st Royal Infantry 2nd Cloonainra 3rd Dedicated Hero

Royale Pagaille has won the last two runnings of this and arrives on a high after landing his second Betfair Chase, proving himself a true Haydock specialist. A mark of 166 isn't insurmountable - he struck in 2022 off just 3lb lower - but MR VANGO is in receipt of almost two stone and in conditions that will play to his strengths, that could prove crucial. Iwilldoit also stays all day and ran yet another Welsh National cracker over Christmas. In contrast, Trelawne and Imagine have stamina to prove.
Prediction : 1st Mr Vango 2nd Royale Pagaille 3rd Iwilldoit

The Philip Hobbs and Johnson White team have been in excellent form over the past couple of weeks and TINY TETLEY appears capable of defying a 4lb rise for his recent Taunton success. The seven-year-old displayed a likeable attitude on that occasion and gets the vote with the potential for further improvement. Tune In A Box was denied close home at Chepstow over the Festive period and is respected along with Lossiemouth, whose return after a mammoth absence at Newbury showed all the old ability is retained.
Prediction : 1st Tiny Tetley 2nd Tune In A Box 3rd Lossiemouth

THE FAMOUS FIVE won at Newbury, despite his jumping not being particularly fluent, and it may well be the return to more testing ground will see him in a better light. Dr T J Eckleburg won over C&D on his penultimate start before running with credit to be second at Chepstow. He is capable of another decent showing, while others to note include Prince Quali and Prairie Wolf.
Prediction : 1st The Famous Five 2nd Dr T J Eckleburg 3rd Prince Quali