Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle, Haydock, Saturday

[The Brigadier]

I’m chasing a weekend ante-post hat trick following the advices of King Turgeon (advised 25/1) in the Grand Sefton and Burdett Road (advised 5/1) in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and have had a good look at this weekend's big handicap hurdle at Haydock the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle run over three miles and 58 yards.

The ground is currently good there but with an unsettled forecast of rain, sleet and snow can see the ground riding more on the soft side.

Dan Skelton has left in three runners with the current favourite Doyen Spirit having to carry a 5lb penalty for his cosy enough victory at Cheltenham last weekend. The handicapper is likely to raise him more than the 5lb (we will know on Tuesday) and if he lines up has to be part of the staking plan as he’s totally unexposed at this trip. The Skeltons mentioned this race after he won at the weekend and he looks the one to beat.

 

Much better value however is the James Owen trained One Big Bang. He has shown much improved form since joining Owen from Paul Tobin in Ireland winning over course and distance in the mud on his stable debut back in March. The six-year-old followed up in a three runner novice hurdle at Uttoxeter a week later before not being seen till the end of October when runner up to Hymac at Newton Abbot. Owen has spoken positively about the horse in a stable tour last month and although his future lies over fences he may creep in to the bottom of the handicap here and should be backed each way for a yard that did us a big favour at the weekend.

 

He’s currently number 21 in a race where only 17 can run so it may be touch and go whether he gets in to the race but it’ll be money back if he is balloted out. Back him each way and Doyen Quest win only.

 

ONE BIG BANG 1 point each way 20/1 (general) 1/4 1234

DOYEN QUEST 1 point win @ 7/2 BetMGM

[MCLARKE]

Good luck with the hat trick, fantastic tips