Haydock

2.40pm

Perfect Candidate

We know he loves it at Haydock, over a trip and in this type of ground, but he went up 8lb for his win here in November and it is just a matter of how vulnerable a mark of 142 leaves him against much younger rivals. But he has run well off higher marks in the past, and he will relish the conditions again, and he has had a nice break since that last win, which was hard work for him despite the winning margin.  There are clearly plenty of positives about him.

The old boy talking to @UnibetRacing about the other old boy #PerfectCandidate pic.twitter.com/IIYeTslvRB

— Fergal O’Brien Racing (@FOBRacing) February 17, 2021

3.14pm

Elham Valley

His Sandown win came in a Class 2 race so he has an 8lb penalty to carry here, which is not ideal. But that win shows he handles this deep ground very well and I thought he probably ran to a similar level when fourth when pitched into Grade 1 company at Chepstow last time. This is another tough assignment with Monmiral and Nassalam the clear standard-setters, but we have been very happy with him at home, so let’s see. Hopefully the wind op since his last run and the tongue-tie will see him progress, too.

4.25pm

Alaphilippe

I think he has a fair bit going for him in here. He will handle the ground and I think the step up to 3m will suit this winning pointer. And he already has decent form claims, having just failed to give the winner 4lb at Taunton last time with a smart sort in third. You would have to fear the likes of Mint Condition but my horse should go well.

5.00pm

*Road To Rome* THIS HORSE IS A NON RUNNER

He hasn’t been seen for a very long time but he was a good hunter for the stable back in 2019, when one of his successes came here. In fact, I see it was in this very race. I don’t know why he has been off for so long but he should be competitive if straight enough, though the ground could be a slight question mark, I suppose.