David Jennings' Expert Preview and Tip Ahead Of Saturday's horse racing

What's the big story?

Well, it's the first Grade 1 of the season in Britain as Haydock plays host to the Betfair Chase (3.05), but the juiciest lines are likely to be at Punchestown, where the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (2.10) is like a mini Champion Hurdle and Ballyburn begins life over fences in the 2m3f beginners' chase (12.30), the same race Galopin Des Champs started his chasing career in.

There are goodies in every cupboard and on every shelf this Saturday. Make the most of it; these days don't come around that often.

So, who wins the Betfair Chase (3.05)?

I know the last time he won a race of any description there were no such thing as mobile phones and Ian Rush was still scoring goals for fun at the Kop End, but Ahoy Senor will never get a better chance to bag another big one.

He's never been to Haydock before, but it's flat and left-handed, just like Aintree and Newbury, where he has been at his best over the years.

I could be wrong here, but Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore probably realised during the summer that there was one Grade 1 race that Scotland's most talented horse could win this season and that was the Betfair Chase, so expect him to be cherry ripe for the big day.

His Old Roan effort was just lovely, even if punters and the stewards on the day may not have thought so, but it tees him up perfectly for this.

There can be no more excuses. The stars have aligned. Ahoy! The answer is si, senor.

Ahoy Senor15:05 Haydock

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Jky: Derek Fox Tnr: Lucinda Russell

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What's the bet of the day?

Trelawne is a bit of a monkey, but he's a talented monkey who looks terrific value at 100-30 for the Graduation Chase (1.50) at Haydock.

He was in the thick of things with Grey Dawning and Ginny's Destiny at Cheltenham last December, and the fact he was hammered from 12-1 into 5-1 for the Ultima in the space of 24 hours makes me think that Kim Bailey believes he is much better than a 144-rated chaser.

A small field around Haydock is just what the doctor ordered for his comeback and he should take a bit of stopping, provided he's on his best behaviour, of course, and there are never any guarantees on that front. Good luck, Mr Bellamy. Rather you than me.

Trelawne13:50 Haydock

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Jky: Tom Bellamy Tnr: Kim Bailey

What is the lay of the day?

She's a smasher, but 2-1 about Golden Ace for the Grade 2 Howden Ascot Hurdle (2.45)? No, thank you. Her form is fantastic, but these are seasoned and battle-hardened pros she's taking on and last year's winner Blueking D'Oroux looks the overpriced one at 100-30.

Give us a multiple for Saturday's action?

Shantreusse, for starters. He looks a level above those he is running against in the 2m5f handicap chase (1.35) at Punchestown. Trelawne (1.50) and Ahoy Senor (3.05) at Haydock, and let's complete the Lucky 15 with Frere D'Armes (3.20) at Ascot.

Any outsider catch the eye?

Yes, Phantomofthepoints at 25-1 in the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle (2.30) at Haydock. He could be anything and I'm convinced he's a lot better than his mark of 124.

Phantomofthepoints14:30 Haydock

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Jky: Jack Tudor Tnr: David Pipe

Read more:

Paul Kealy's play of the day at Haydock

'He won't even need to be at his best to win this' - Harry Wilson returns with his fancies for every race on ITV on Saturday

2024 Betfair Chase: the runners, the odds, the verdict

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