UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

An open contest in which many will fancy Uncle Bert, who defeated Kilbarry Hill (second) over this C&D last month. Nigel Twiston-Davies landed this 12 months ago and would appear to hold solid claims once again, but a chance is taken on CHASINGOUTTHEBLUES. His stamina came to the fore when leaving it late to win at Ayr recently and the unexposed six-year-old could still have more to offer. Others to note include Supremely West, I Am Max and Jipcot.
Prediction : 1st Chasingouttheblues 2nd Uncle Bert 3rd Supremely West

It might pay to side with GIVE IT TO ME OJ. The gelded son of Time Test shaped with promise on his hurdling debut in October, where he finished third in behind Triumph hopeful East India Dock. He should have learned plenty from that experience and, with his yard coming into some form, a bold bid is expected. Marche D'aligre chased home talented French hurdler Nieztsche Has in a Grade 2 at Chepstow in December and is perhaps the main threat, although Lavender Hill Mob and Gibbs Island can't be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Give It To Me Oj 2nd Marche Daligre 3rd Lavender Hill Mob

THE FLIER BEGLEY was in command when defeating Nocte Volatus (second) in a similar event at Market Rasen last month and despite being 4lb worse off with that rival, Gary Hanmer's in-form 10-year-old is expected to confirm his superiority. Whistleinthedark was no match for an impressive winner at Warwick, but that effort signalled a return to form and he merits respect. Eaton Collina is noted too.
Prediction : 1st The Flier Begley 2nd Nocte Volatus 3rd Whistleinthedark

Beauport made the frame in the Long Walk at Ascot when last seen just before Christmas and he could be hard to catch if allowed an easy lead once again. However, marginal preference is for BOTOX HAS, who won this contest 12 months ago and looked to be coming back to form when third in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Nemean Lion has to prove himself over this distance but holds the ability to go well if seeing it out.
Prediction : 1st Botox Has 2nd Beauport 3rd Nemean Lion

ROYALE PAGAILLE may have disappointed when favourite for the Peter Marsh here last month, but the veteran can be given another chance based on his previous performances at this venue. That includes back-to-back victories in the Betfair Chase and Venetia Williams' gelding should not be underestimated. Val Dancer accounted for Jubilee Express (second) when winning the Welsh Grand National in December and they both have to be of interest as a result. Last year's winner Yeah Man is another with claims.
Prediction : 1st Royale Pagaille 2nd Val Dancer 3rd Jubilee Express

MOON ROCKET looks a stayer with bags of potential and he confirmed that when finishing a narrow runner-up in the River Don over an extended 3m at Doncaster last month. With the promise of more to come, he can get back in the winning groove. Point-to-point winner Kepler's Law scored with the minimum of fuss over an extended 2m4f at Leicester and, tackling this trip for the first time under Rules, he could emerge as the main danger, ahead of Derryhassen Paddy.
Prediction : 1st Moon Rocket 2nd Keplers Law 3rd Derryhassen Paddy

In what looks a trappy affair on paper, MY DROGO gets a tentative nod. He was a very smart performer in his pomp and, having won a point-to-point over 3m for these connections last month, he's very interesting. Jet Plane was last seen running out a comfortable winner over 3m at Wetherby and a repeat of that effort should see him go well again. Hollow Games and Take All are a couple of others to consider.
Prediction : 1st My Drogo 2nd Jet Plane 3rd Hollow Games