UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

JOKERS 'N' CLOWNS showed plenty of promise when second on her debut for these connections at Newton Abbot last week and that form gives the six-year-old a big chance here. Soleil D'arizona disappointed at Wetherby when last seen in November, but Dan Skelton's mare should not be underestimated having finished runner-up on her hurdling bow. The rest all have questions to answer, but Forcetoreckonwith is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Jokers N Clowns 2nd Soleil Darizona 3rd Forcetoreckonwith

GIVEMEFIVE had plenty in hand when scoring at Newcastle a month ago and a 4lb rise for that success may underestimate Harry Derham's five-year-old. That said, Bluegrass has won three of his last five starts and the progressive gelding should not be discounted. Luttrell Lad finished in mid-division at Aintree, but his previous Taunton win suggests that he can go well in a race of this nature.
Prediction : 1st Givemefive 2nd Bluegrass 3rd Luttrell Lad

BURROWS HALL arrives here on the back of a hat-trick in recent months and the progressive eight-year-old tops the shortlist, despite a 5lb rise for the latest of those victories. The consistent Thank You Ma'am has to be noted returning to handicap company after his Doncaster win last month, while Land Genie edges out High Game Royal and Bold Recruit to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Burrows Hall 2nd Thank You Maam 3rd Land Genie

Although 13lb higher than when landing the corresponding event in 2024, NUMITOR looked better than ever when pulling clear to score at Ascot last month. Heather Main's charge has now won three of his last four starts and, given his liking for the forecast conditions, further success could await. The Flier Begley (third) is only 3lb better off with Dubai Days, who beat him by the best part of 10 lengths over C&D in February and there aren't any obvious reasons that form should be reversed. Eldorado Allen can fare best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Numitor 2nd Dubai Days 3rd Eldorado Allen

DUKE OF DECEPTION arrives following a brace of runner-up efforts and although 2lb higher, the eight-year-old can go one place better now afforded an ease in grade. Safe Destination remains in excellent form and should be thereabouts, even though he perhaps requires some assistance from the handicapper now. Impatient was well in contention when coming to grief two from home at Southwell and will be a threat if none the worse for that tumble.
Prediction : 1st Duke Of Deception 2nd Safe Destination 3rd Impatient

Recent Newbury winner Mahler Moon should be a key player off just 4lb higher and were it not for his tendency to jump right, he would be a solid option. However, it may be worth honing in on BORN IN THE WEST, who has bags of scope as a stayer and could be tough to reel in if allowed to dominate on the front end. The hat-trick seeking Elusiveness is another shortlisted contender, despite a 7lb rise for her latest success.
Prediction : 1st Born In The West 2nd Mahler Moon 3rd Elusiveness

Haydock has been a happy hunting ground for Sue Smith over the years and this could be another good piece of placement by her yard as THE PADDY PIE bids to supplement his resurgent recent form. The veteran has won four of his last five starts and, with conditions ideal, this could be well within his reach from a still workable rating. Captain Ivan and Special Dragon are the main contenders to fill the runner-up slot.
Prediction : 1st The Paddy Pie 2nd Captain Ivan 3rd Special Dragon