UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

GAMESTERS GUY seems to have an ideal opportunity to go one better than his latest effort at Chepstow. The seven-year-old's sole chase victory came in a similar contest when proving too strong for the useful Moon Rocket at Doncaster and the application of a tongue-tie might aid his cause further. Ruby Island arrives following a string of consistent efforts and she cannot be discounted in receipt of the mares' allowance.
Prediction : 1st Gamesters Guy 2nd Ruby Island 3rd null

Solid Performer produced his best effort so far over timber when runner-up at Catterick, but the drop back in trip may count against him and BALLYEASTON is preferred. Having hung badly left when second at Catterick in December, the track layout here might just help him out and the extra yardage appears to be in his favour. Chemoulin appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Ballyeaston 2nd Solid Performer 3rd Chemoulin

The addition of a first-time visor made a difference to WAL BUCK'S when running out a wide-margin winner at Kelso. The handicapper didn't go over the top by only raising him 4lb and it won't be surprising if a bigger performance is still in the locker. Ki Woo should appreciate a sounder surface after a below-par display at Doncaster, while similar comments apply to Iron Bridge based on his Carlisle second on his penultimate start.
Prediction : 1st Wal Bucks 2nd Ki Woo 3rd Iron Bridge

Is This For Real was the convincing winner of a maiden hurdle at Newcastle and is potentially well treated for his handicap debut. Having previously won a point-to-point over 2m4f, stepping up in trip could also be rewarding. However, the same can be said of KING ULANDA, who has improved since undergoing wind surgery and looked in need of a sterner test when filling the runner-up berth behind an in-form rival here. The Cistercian and Sunray Shadow complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st King Ulanda 2nd Is This For Real 3rd The Cistercian

HEATHER HONEY has won a third of all her starts over hurdles and that reliability combined with proven stamina earns her the vote. Spit Spot is another effective stayer who needs to be taken seriously, with this representing a drop in class. Freshers Week and Hard Dealt are still of low mileage and support in the betting for either could prove to be significant. Inflexible's past form is noteworthy and he shouldn't be underestimated, despite resuming for a new yard after a lengthy break.
Prediction : 1st Heather Honey 2nd Spit Spot 3rd Freshers Week

STUNG BY TARIFFS is bred to appreciate this sort of trip and looks worth chancing after qualifying for a workable opening mark with an improved third at Southwell. That was his best effort so far and the additional yardage could be ideal. Idaho Valley is consistent and the fitting of a tongue-tie has to be worth a try on the back of three placed efforts. Land Of Punt is upped in trip with cheekpieces added and is another handicap debutant to consider.
Prediction : 1st Stung By Tariffs 2nd Idaho Valley 3rd Land Of Punt

NIGHTFLYER looked a bright prospect when he made a winning debut at Catterick and given the four-year-old's weight-for-age allowance means he gets weight from all bar one of his rivals, he could be well placed to follow up. Turbocharged also showed promise when introduced at Newbury in November and should be capable of building on that third-placed finish. The Flat-bred Oykel Bridge and point-to-point winner Locker Boum are others to monitor in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Nightflyer 2nd Turbocharged 3rd Oykel Bridge