4.10pm Haydock Tips & Betting Preview 22/03/2017

A field of seven go to post for the penultiomate race of the day at Haydock on Wednesday, see our betting tips and full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Saroque is looking very well handicapped and he’s been showing signs he could be near the boil so must be respected, but this can go to AS DE FER. He was far from disgraced when third in a tougher race than this at Wincanton on his penultimate start, only half a length behind Saroque who he meets on better terms this time around. His latest start at Exeter was in a much tougher race than this and he can be forgiven that run, so down 4lb, he looks likely to run a big race and can return to winning ways under 3lb claimer David Noonan. Cody Wyomimg can challenge for a place if back to his best after two disappointing runs.

1 CODY WYOMING – Has been frustrating to follow since his win four starts ago at Lingfield (2m 4f, Soft), with one respectable effort at Fakenham followed by two heavy defeats at Sandown. He was never travelling in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup on his latest start (3m, Soft) but perhaps the trip was a step too far and he’ll be much happier down slightly in trip today on ground he’ll appreciate. He’s now onto his last winning mark with Sam Twiston-Daives taking the ride and he looks set to go close if bouncing back, considered.

2 AS DE FER – Hasn’t been seen to best effect this season for Anthony Honeyball, racing in tougher company than this for the majority of it. On his penultimate start he was only half a length behind Saroque at Wincanton in January and meets that rival on better terms this time around. He can be forgiven his latest start in class two company when running well for a long way and will be much happier back in a class four company. Despite those two encouraging efforts, he’s down another 4lb and a mark 120 is one he can do lots of damage off under 3lb claimer David Noonan. Likely to go very well and has to be respected.

3 SUNNY LEDGEND – Inconsistent twelve year old who caused somewhat of a surprise when winning at Leicester on his latest start (2m 6f, Soft), powering clear under hands and heels to take victory. Has a 7lb penalty to contend with this time around, which he may well struggle to contend with despite a 7lb claimer taking the ride (he was on board for the latest win). He hasn’t won off a mark higher than this since February 2012 and although conditions suit and he does have definite place claims, he looks vulnerable for win purposes.

4 BLUE KASCADE – Won twice late last year at both Wetherby (3m, Good) and Musselburgh (2m 7f, Good) but has struggled since off much higher marks, with his latest sixth at Doncaster another poor effort (albeit in better company). Likely to be happier down in class with softer conditions set to suit, but a mark of 118 remains of concern, 7lb above his last winning mark. Perhaps he has place claims if back to near his best but is another who looks vulnerable for win purposes.

5 SAROQUE – Has been largely in good form this season, with his three best efforts under today’s amateur rider Hugh Nugent. He was best of the rest on his latest start behind Coolking at Plumpton in February and has been dropped a pound in the handicap since, now 9lb below his last winning mark over the larger obstacles. Clearly lying on a dangerous mark and he’s been showing signs that he’s coming to the boil, so isn’t one to discount in this for the in form Venetia Williams yard. Likely to go close and is respected.

6 PURCELL’S BRIDGE – Inconsistent ten year old who returned from a long absence at Carlisle in February when seventh, although he did show some of his old spark when coming to challenge three out (2m 4f, Good to Soft). Likely to be happier up in trip and softer conditions should suit, with that run hopefully sharpening him up for this assignment. Now only 2lb above his last winning mark and has place claims if at his best under 7lb claimer Lorcan Murtagh.

7 HARRY HUNT – Last win came back in Nvoember 2015 and he although he’s gone close on a few occasions since then, he’s been mainly poor for Gramae McPherson. He has been well beaten over hurdles the last twice and the switch to chasing will need to have a drastic effect if he’s to be making any sort of impression in this. Others make far more appeal and he’s probably best left alone in this despite his chasing mark perhaps being generous on the basis of his hurdling one.