Back Course Expert in Grand National Trial!

Ascot and Haydock provide the best racing today with the Irish action rained off. It's a decent weekend of racing with the re-scheduled Newbury card on Sunday.

Lord Du Mesnil can return to winning ways off a good mark of 149. Things haven’t gone his way this season with a run over hurdles followed by a spin over the national fences at Aintree. Both those runs were over a trip short of his best and led to the Welsh National where he failed to give his true running. The oncourse Vet said he finished the Welsh National with heat stress. That can happen with winter bugs and he has been given 42 days to recover for today’s race. Last season looked all set to win in this race only to tire over the final half furlong. It’s a small field of nine runners and hopefully Lord Du Mesnil can show his true form around a course he enjoys.

Achilles ran well off a long break when runner up to Notachance in the Classic Chase at Warwick. He and the Alan King trained winner run here but look vulnerable on testing ground. Sojourn is interesting as he jumps well, likes the ground but needs to prove he has the stamina for this marathon trip. An intriguing race and fingers crossed Lord Du Mesnil gets his head back in front.

Haydock - 2:40

0.5 Point Each Way Lord Du Mesnil 17/2 Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook, use BOG bookies.

Compare Odds at Haydock Saturday 14:40 Betting Odds Winner | Horse Racing | Oddschecker