14:25 HAYDOCK
We kick things off with a very open Grade 3 Stayers’ handicap hurdle, where I fancy IMPERIAL ALCAZAR to continue his fine run of form.
He’s won three of his last four, with the other a runner-up to Prince Kayf, and has proven himself in both soft and heavy conditions.
I think he should suit the step up to 3m but I’m interested to see how he copes in a much larger field. Regardless, he should go close for the reliable Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan combination.
I’d also keep an eye on Alan King’s versatile WHO DARES WINS , who looks a nice each-way price.
The eight-year-old is just a magnificent horse who has won on heavy, the AW, flat, hurdles and fences.
I’m optimistic he’ll battle it out among the places again.
14:40 ASCOT
I’m incredibly excited to see how LAURINA does in her first outing since moving to Paul Nicholls’ yard.
She won her first six races and looked like a potential Grade 1-winning machine, but really didn’t take to fences and last season was a big disappointment.
She finished third in the Quevega Mares hurdle in February, though, which suggested there’s still life in this seven-year-old.
15:00 HAYDOCK
I tipped Lostintranslation when he won here last year, but I think the form will be reversed on Saturday.
BRISTOL DE MAI simply is the king of Haydock after winning this race in 2017 and 2018 and running a blinder behind Santini in the Cotswold Chase in January.
It was a slightly disappointing run in the Gold Cup, but – back running at his fortress – I think he’ll match Cue Card and Kauto Star in winning this race for a third time.
15:17 ASCOT
We finish off with another open handicap, where I like the look of Kim Bailey’s FIRST FLOW .
The eight-year-old has had a terrific career with seven wins and four places from 15 runs – including three victories on the bounce.
Considering that his last three wins were by a combined 48 lengths, I think he’s ready to step up here in a tough field.
WIN DOUBLE
LAURINA | BRISTOL DE MAI
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