2022 Welsh Grand National winner in action at Haydock and all-weather runner makes first start since Royal Ascot – punting pointers for Monday

Punting pointers for Monday's meetings. . .

Haydock: Gaboriot bids to bounce back

Gaboriot is among the leading contenders in what looks like a competitive running of the £25,000 Betfred Last Fling Handicap Chase (3.10). 

The eight-year-old ended the last campaign with hunter chase successes at Cheltenham and Cartmel, but is winless in two starts since reappearing in November.

After finishing third in the Grand Sefton for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, he was a beaten favourite when sixth at Doncaster last time.

Gaboriot: bids to bounce back to form for Oliver Greenall and Josh GuerrieroCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

That race was far from the original plan as Gaboriot was due to run over the Grand National fences again in the Becher Chase before that meeting was abandoned due to the high winds of Storm Darragh.

The market here suggests his main rival is Montgomery, last seen finishing fifth in the London National on Sandown's Tingle Creek card this month.

The first and second from the 2022 Welsh Grand National, The Two Amigos and The Big Breakaway, are also in the line-up.

Gaboriot15:10 Haydock

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Jky: Ben Smith (7lb)Tnr: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Haydock stat: in-form trainer

Venetia Williams is operating at a 20 per cent strike-rate in handicap chases this season and the in-form trainer will attempt to enhance that record with Ottoline (2.00), Montgomery and Valleres (3.10). 

Ottoline14:00 Haydock

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Jky: Charlie Deutsch Tnr: Venetia Williams

Montgomery15:10 Haydock

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Jky: Charlie Deutsch Tnr: Venetia Williams

Valleres15:10 Haydock

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Jky: Ned Fox (3lb)Tnr: Venetia Williams

Taunton: Burke yard on a high

Keiran Burke will be hoping to keep up the momentum after recording the biggest success of his career with Soul Icon in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

"We're still recovering now!" Burke said of Friday's winner. “We’ll see where we go next, there are no immediate plans.” 

The trainer has only one runner on Monday, Chedington's Guest, who lines up in the opening 2m3f novice hurdle (12.45). 

The five-year-old was sixth on his hurdles debut over a shorter trip at this track last time, while some of his bumper form behind subsequent Grade 2 winner and Challow third Bill Joyce reads well.

Burke said: "Chedington's Guest is a big, backward baby. He's still learning the job really and I'm hoping for improvement on the last run."

His rivals include recent course winner Jackpot Des Bordes for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden, who was aboard Soul Icon at Kempton.

Chedington's Guest12:45 Taunton

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Jky: Joe Anderson (3lb)Tnr: Keiran Burke

Wolverhampton: back on track

Dyrholaey is set to have his first outing since Royal Ascot in the feature 6f handicap (7.00) at Wolverhampton for owners Wathnan Racing.

After winning by a neck on his debut at Chelmsford in January, the son of City Light followed up at this track and trip in March. He then narrowly won at Newcastle before switching from the all-weather and suffering his first defeat in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Ascot in June.

The three-year-old was sent off an 11-1 chance in the 28-runner field there, so clearly better was expected than his 21st-placed finish.

He looks to set the standard following a gelding operation, but is unlikely to have things all his own way under James Doyle against the likes of Airman, who finished third behind Equilateral at Southwell on his reappearance this month. 

Dyrholaey19:00 Wolverhampton (A.W)

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Jky: James Doyle Tnr: Archie Watson

Wolverhampton stat: course specialist

Luke Morris has been one to follow at Wolverhampton this year, with 28 winners at a 15 per cent strike-rate. Naturally (5.00) looks the pick of his four rides.

Naturally17:00 Wolverhampton (A.W)

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Jky: Luke Morris Tnr: Ed Walker

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