Ascot & Haydock Racing Preview

2:10 Ascot Amlin 1965 Chase Grade 2 Cl1 2m3f
Master Minded is the 7/4 favourite (William Hill) but he needs to bounce back after a poor run at Aintree. It might be that the horse is becoming ground dependant. His record is 11/13 on good to soft or softer but only 1/5 on good ground.

Somersby (5/2 with Bet365) and Medermit (5/1 with Bet365) could capitalise but both seem suited by further nowadays. The race could throw up a surprise with Stagecoach Pearl 25/1 (Ladbrokes) a good winner last time out.

Selection:  Stagecoach Pearl 25/1 (Ladbrokes)

2:30 Haydock “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle Grade 3 Cl1 3m
A race that has gone to top class horses in the last two years but there doesn’t appear to be anything of the same calibre this time round. Robinson Collonges is the 7/1 (Boylesports) favourite with Global Power 10/1 (Boylesports) after both placed in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Chepstow last month.

In such a big field it is worth looking at the larger prices and Sunnyhillboy has a squeak at 16/1 with Betfred. After not cutting it at top level chasing he reverts to hurdling where he has a career record of 4 wins from 7 starts. He won a similar high quality handicap back in 2009 on his last hurdle start.

Selection:  Sunnyhillboy - 16/1 Betfred

2:45 Ascot Coral Hurdle Grade 2 Cl1 2m3f110y
The betting suggests a three horse race, with Champion Hurdle third Oscar Whisky the 5/4 favourite (William Hill). The front-running Overturn (3/1 with Coral) has shown smart form over the flat as well as hurdles, but with Lough Derg in the field he might set up the race for those behind. King Of The Night (9/2 with Coral) is stepping up in grade but he recorded a good speed rating when winning at Kempton; he could give the favourite a scare.

Selection: Oscar Whisky - 5/4 William Hill

3:05 Haydock Betfair Chase Grade 1 Cl1 3m
Read our detailed preview of each runner here.