Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Haydock Park and Newbury on Saturday. View selections below.
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FINGERONTHESWITCH (1.35) returns from a welcome break following two quick runs in November and he will handle heavy ground at Haydock better than most of his rivals.
Neil Mulholland’s seven-year-old chased home odds-on Prime Venture at Ffos Las and ran a cracker 13 days later when running sixth to new staying sensation Sam Spinner over course and distance, weakening only late in the day.
The handicapper has dropped him 3lb and James King claims a useful 5lb.
At Newbury, DIABLE DE SIVOLA (1.50) catches the eye in the Betfred-sponsored 2m 4f handicap hurdle.
The four-year-old takes on his elders at the right end of the weights and he was well backed at Cheltenham when a running on fourth to Coole Cody at the big November meeting.
Diable De Sivola outrun his big odds when fifth to Flying Tiger in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival and should handle the deep ground.
SHOTGUN PADDY (2.25) seems to have been around for an eternity but continues to acquit himself with credit in attritional staying contests like today’s Betfred Mandarin Chase.
The 10-year-old has five lengths to make up on Alfie Spinner on their running in the Coral Welsh National running in early December but is 4lb better off.
Shotgun Paddy ran third to Aintree Grand National hero One For Arthur in the Warwick Classic and was again placed in the Eider Chase. He finished one spot behind Knockanrawley but is allowed 5lb for just over a length. The old boy should go well at an each-way price.
Six runners are declared for the Betfred Challow Hurdle and KILBRICKEN STORM (3.00) sets a very decent standard following his hard-fought victory over Count Meribel at Cheltenham two weeks ago.
There was a huge 54 lengths gap back to useful Equus Secretus and Colin Tizzard’s six-year-old had earlier scored by 26 lengths at Wincanton (soft).
Only four go to post for the 2m 6f handicap chase and ROCKLANDER (3.35) can atone for a first-fence mishap at Doncaster a fortnight ago.
He had earlier waltzed to a 53 lengths success in a beginners’ chase at Ludlow and there should be no stamina concerns as Rocklander ran Cogry to a neck over three miles at Cheltenham 12 months ago.
Tally Ho
Alan
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