14-10 Haydock tips-betting-preview 23/12/2017

IN SUMMARY: It’s very hard to look past LIMITED RESERVE, who scored over course and distance last month in very comfortable style. He pulled right away when asked and an eight pound rise won’t be enough to stop this progressive five year old going in again under five pound claimer James Bowen. The main danger looks to be Kk Lexion, who drops back in trip after a disappointing run at Cheltenham last month.

1 LIMITED RESERVE – Gained his third hurdling success when scoring easily at Haydock last month, winning by eight lengths. He’s now eight pounds higher but this race lacks depth for the class and he remains unexposed, with James Bowen claiming five pounds. Should prove very tough to beat.

2 KK LEXION – Returned this season with a very good third at Cheltenham in a competitive Class 3, but he failed to back that up when struggling from an early stage at the same venue latest. He now drops back in trip which should suit and judging by his run two starts ago, he’s capable off this mark. Looks to be the main danger to Limited Reserve.

3 ZALVADOS – Eight race maiden over timber who was beaten a fair way when fourth at Cheltenham last month, though he was hampered in the run on that occasion. He’s a pound higher here and needs a career best to open his account. He looks to have bumped into one in terms of Limited Reserve today, so the best he can hope of is a place.

4 BLUE HUSSAR – Won twice over timber last season, but he made an unsuccessful handicap debut on his latest start when only sixth at Wetherby. He now faces a much tougher task on ground that isn’t sure to suit him, so others are readily preferred.

5 BAZOOKA – Loves it on heavy ground but judging by his latest third at Sandown two weeks ago, that is where the positives stop. He was well held in third that day and he now jumps up markedly in class to compete here. Has an uphill task on his hands.