Haydock

Porticello 2/5 was very good when he won the Grade 1 Finale at Chepstow over Christmas. He’s always had a massive reputation and while it looks like he might be ground dependant, he’s got an engine and should be too good for this field on natural ability alone. I have to add, he does get his favoured ground here, too.

Mollys Ollys Wishes 9/4 (14:05) seems to like softer conditions and I love the way she’s improved this season. Dan [Skelton] has done a great job with her. She’s a strong traveller and gets weight from her rivals, too.

Blaklion 8/1 (14:40) is 13 years of age now, but he’s got class, hasn’t he? He’s won his last two including when he sluiced up here last time. It’s a really good race and you could make a case for so many, but this could be a great opportunity for this expensive purchase to make more money back for his owner!

Green Book 11/4 and Hillcrest are likely to fight out the finish in the Prestige (15:50).

Hillcrest 11/8 might go on to be the better horse, but Green Book was very good the last day at Sandown and might prefer these softer conditions. It’ll be a good race to watch, either way.

Ascot

Does He Know 3/1 (13:50) is the best horse in the Reynoldstown Chase. He’s got a 3lb penalty to carry, which won’t make life any easier, but he’s clearly at the top of the novice chasers pile at Kim Bailey’s.

He has shown a slight preference for better going, but it could stay dry and with all the wind, it could end up on the quicker side of soft.

Cobolobo 14/1 (14:25) loves Ascot. He was second around there last time and will likely give his running again. Kevin Brogan takes the ride and he’s got to be one of the best conditionals in the weighing room. He’s a really good rider. Cobolobo has no weight on his back and that’ll help in this competitive handicap.

Fakir D’oudairies 12/5 (15:38) is the one they all have to beat in the Ascot Chase. He’d be a joy to own, wouldn’t he? From the age of four, he’s been on the top of his game and doesn’t seem to miss a beat.

He turns up at all the big festivals and always goes well. He’s a grand horse and should win another Grade 1 here.

Wincanton

At Wincanton, I think Adagio 5/4 will beat Goshen in the Kingwell Hurdle (15:20). He’s getting weight from Goshen, who you just can’t rely on. Adagio was a very good second in the Greatwood Hurdle in November off top weight and has been kept for a spring campaign.

Gowran Park

Teahupoo 11/8 (14:20) has only been beaten once in his career and that’s because he’s a very smart horse. I do like him a lot. He goes from the front, jumps well, kicks and can stay. He’s got pace and knows how to put his head down. It’ll be great for Robbie Power to win a graded race after his long injury, too.

Daly Tiger 6/1 is the one to beat in the Red Mills Chase. Melon is a grand horse but doesn’t win enough whereas Daly Tiger was very good when he won at Limerick two starts ago. He’s improved. Noel Meade has done a grand job with him, and he’s found him a good opportunity.

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