UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

THROATLASH hasn't looked back since underdoing wind surgery, building on his Wetherby success when readily beating two rivals at Aintree. A further 6lb rise looks fairly lenient and, open to greater improvement with only five NH runs under his belt, he will prove a tough nut to crack. Icare Grandchamp is entitled to improve for his comeback run at Newbury and should be competitive off the same mark in this lesser event. Southoftheborder also drops in class, and his mark continues to fall, so he could be dangerous.
Prediction : 1st Throatlash 2nd Icare Grandchamp 3rd Southoftheborder

Last year's winner Bertie's Ballet has to be respected, but he's 5lb higher this time around and lacks a recent run so could be vulnerable. Brentford Hope continues to creep down the ratings and should be winning again before long, while the hat-trick seeking Smart Decision also has an obvious chance. The vote, however, goes to handicap debutant CABALLO DE GUERRA. He's stepped up on his Kelso victory with solid efforts at both Cheltenham and Wetherby and a mark of 121 looks workable.
Prediction : 1st Caballo De Guerra 2nd Brentford Hope 3rd Berties Ballet

A cracking renewal of this Grade 2 and emerging star OLD PARK STAR could book his ticket to the Cheltenham Festival by making it three from three over timber. He did the job nicely first time at Kempton and took a major step forward to trounce smart opposition at Cheltenham. The sky is the limit for Nicky Henderson's six-year-old and he is tough to oppose. Hurricane Pat is also unbeaten over hurdles and was impressive when beating Soldier Reeves in Listed company at Sandown. The runner-up is 5lb better off, but may struggle to turn the tables. Japetus is a nice type for Nicky Richards, but this looks a step too far.
Prediction : 1st Old Park Star 2nd Hurricane Pat 3rd Soldier Reeves

Ultima hero Myretown took a tumble in the Coral Gold Cup on his seasonal return, but that is worth forgiving and he's still capable of much better over fences. Johnnywho took a step in the right direction at Ascot and is respected from an appealing mark, and don't rule out Royale Pagaille, who landed this in 2021 and 2022. There has been no stopping front runner KONFUSION for much of this season, though, with his only blemish coming when unseating over C&D. He romped home in the Rowland Meyrick latest and a 9lb rise may well underestimate him.
Prediction : 1st Konfusion 2nd Myretown 3rd Johnnywho

There is quite a bit of pace on show here and, with that in mind, it might be worth taking a chance on SOLAR SYSTEM. The seven-year-old enjoyed a fruitful winter last term but plateaued a little in the spring, so it's possible that 301 days off the track will have done him the world of good. He's still capable of better and this could set up perfectly for him. Both Barrels, Dalston Lad and Kyntara could all have a say but given that they might take each other on for the lead, Heather Honey may be a bigger threat.
Prediction : 1st Solar System 2nd Heather Honey 3rd Both Barrels

Knomorediamonds was only caught in the final strides here last month and commands plenty of respect off a 2lb higher mark. High Dancer won over C&D last March and should benefit from stepping back up in distance after finishing second at Doncaster, but the vote goes to JUDICIAL DEFERENCE. Having run with plenty of promise on his Rules debut at Bangor, he went one better at Musselburgh just before Christmas and the seven-year-old appears to be fairly treated on his handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Judicial Deference 2nd Knomorediamonds 3rd High Dancer

KYKOROCK has improved plenty since going over the larger obstacles and arrives seeking a hat-trick after scoring at Warwick and Market Rasen. Dan Skelton's gelding doesn't appear to have reached his ceiling just yet and makes considerable appeal once again, despite going up another 7lb. Koukeo made a successful start over fences at Windsor on New Year's Day and has to be respected along with C&D winner Escapeandevade and Willie Shake Hands.
Prediction : 1st Kykorock 2nd Koukeo 3rd Escapeandevade