There is jumps action at Haydock tomorrow where the going could well be pretty testing. In the opener at 2.20 I am quite keen on the chances of Numide. He will handle the ground and is well handicapped on his best form.
I have been following Vodka Brook with some success this season and he goes for a hat trick of wins in the 2.55. He is set to give weight away all round and as he is not over big this may not be ideal. He is not suited by really testing conditions either so on this occasion I will give him a miss.
There are plenty of interesting types in the 4.35. McMurrough was made joint favourite at Carlisle on his latest start but was badly hampered at the second hurdle and unseated his rider. He can be forgiven that but he may prefer a sounder surface. Pearlysteps has been very consistent and ran well in defeat at Doncaster lat time. The lightly raced Glenwood Knight was second to Lie Forrit in a bumper at Hexham last season on heavy ground and is certainly one to consider. Turbo Island won at Newcastle last month and will relish the ground. At around 6/1 Glenwood Knight appeals as the value.
A case could be made for all the runners in the 5.10 where my tentative selection is Diamond Brook.
The ground will also be a factor up at Carlisle. In the 2.50 both Huka Lodge and Wild Cane Ridge (pictured below) are mud lovers and they would be my each way picks.
My selections at Kempton Park are Pipette (2.05), Planet Red (2.40) and The Scorching Wind (3.50.)
Picture of the grey Wild Cane Ridge is courtesy of Sarah Clegg.
ahorse 