Haydock Racecourse is a notoriously tough venue to get home in when the ground is heavy. You need a horse proven in the conditions to be successful and we’ve found three horses who fit that profile on Friday. Best of luck if you follow and remember always bet responsibly.
Top weight Air Raid is two wins from two on proper heavy ground in his career so he is likely to relish conditions at Haydock on Friday. Trainer by Jedd O’Keeffe, this horse has a win over track and trip to his name so he also ticks the course lover box to boot. You will need to forgive his absolute howler of a run at York when last seen when tailed off with the washing, but if he bounces back he is a big player.
Another top weight tickles our fancy back on heavy ground here in the shape of Chance, who certainly has that in this race. He has a win and a place to his name on heavy ground and although he disappointed over this course and distance when last seen, that was on good ground so it can be forgiven. This is a drop down in class from a lower mark too.
It seems to be the day of the top weights as we also like Donald McCain’s Navajo Pass in the finale. A three time winner on heavy ground and a clear mud lark, this is his first run on the Flat since 2019. However, he was fourth in a Triumph Hurdle and was a Grade 2 winner over obstacles so he could be thrown in off a mark of 83.
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.