Richard Birch's play of the day at Haydock
Ned Tanner
Ned Tanner, who boasts course form figures of 323 at Haydock – all three on testing ground – makes considerable appeal off bottom weight in the 2m4f handicap chase.
Third to Happy And Fine in this race last year, Ned Tanner renews rivalry on 12lb better terms, and that’s not the only reason to believe he is very well handicapped.
I recall backing the Nick Alexander-trained eight-year-old off an official mark of 120 at Kelso in February.
Ned Tanner was moving powerfully and looking the likely winner when he took a crashing fall at the second-last, leaving the race to the 142-rated Empire Steel.
My selection is now 8lb lower and gets into a 0-130 with just 10st 10lb on his back.
Alexander must believe Ned Tanner has a strong chance as he fits both a tongue-tie and a set of cheekpieces for the first time. It suggests he means business.
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