Haydock

2.05pm

The Worlds End

There was a time when The Worlds End never showed his true ability in really testing conditions but he certainly looks to have turned a corner of late. He has run to a consistently high level of form in three starts this season, and he knuckled down really well to get the better of L’Ami Serge to win his second Grade 1 in heavy ground at Ascot last time. He carries a 6lb penalty but he clearly comes here in great form, and he has won at the track, too. And two of his main form rivals came out at the overnight stage, as well.

3.50pm

Portrush Ted

He was meant to run at Exeter last Sunday, but he obviously missed that opportunity because of the abandonment. The heavy ground here should be absolutely fine for him, though. Winner of the Grade 2 Aintree bumper back in 2018, he obviously delighted us when winning on his return over an extended 2m5f at Ayr last month, and I'd be hopeful he can still make his presence felt off a 7lb higher mark. The step up in trip won't be a problem, and hopefully the Ayr run will have brought him on a good deal, too. He is in great form.

4.25pm

Port Of Mars

I haven’t ridden him before but he looked to improve a lot when winning in heavy ground over this sort of trip at Chepstow last time – also his first run in a tongue-tie – so we know he can handle these testing conditions. Clearly, this is a big step up in class and he has plenty to find with the form horses, but this is just his third hurdle start, so he is obviously has a lot of scope for progress and Olly’s horses continue in great nick. The race has cut up a lot, too.