![](https://myracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RP_ID00435588-scaled-e1675611330494.jpg)
It has been raining at Haydock Racecourse all week and even though the going stick information hasn’t been fully released yet (probably not to scare off Henry de Bromhead and A Plus Tard, the main attraction), we are guaranteed pretty soft conditions. We take a look at three horses who should relish these conditions on Saturday live on ITV Racing.
Hitman is going to take all the beating here if he turns up but it has to be interesting that Erne River absolutely adores the mud. The dual novice hurdles scorer went on to do extremely well over fences last term. He bolted up at Doncaster on soft ground and followed up with ease on heavy ground at Wetherby back in February. He should run a nice race here.
Wholestone clearly isn’t the force of old now at the ripe old age of 11, but he proved he still has ability when running a fine second behind Good Risk At All at Carlisle on his reappearance. The course and distance winner is an each way player in this if he can build on that now. All of his best form has come in soft or heavy conditions so he ticks a lot of boxes.
The more rain that falls at Haydock, the less secure A Plus Tard backers are going to get. All of his best form has come on ground with good in the description and when he won this race last year, it was very decent ground. Protektorat will be the one to take advantage if it is very soft. He produced a career best on heavy at Aintree last year.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.