Haydock best bets (15:15): My Silver Lining and Chambard to relish Grand National Trial stamina test
Haydock to inspect as Storm Eunice takes its toll
It looks like this Grand National Trial could develop into a survival of the fittest for the 10 scheduled starters, among which are some proven stayers who will relish this stiff stamina test.
15:15 Haydock: Virgin Bet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (3 miles 4½ furlongs)
The fact that barely three betting points cover the top half-dozen in the betting suggests a wide-open race that might leave room for an outsider to stake a claim for a frame finish, especially with four each-way places widely available.
Of those market leaders, Yeah Man, Iron Bridge and Famous Bridge have all shown they have staying capabilities, but our final nod goes to Emma Lavelle’s My Silver Lining, who has won four of her last seven starts and finished runner-up in two of the other three.
Suggested best bet: My Silver Lining in the 15:15 at Haydock
- Tip advised by Each Way Target Tips on Tipstrr
James Best has been in the saddle for all of those rides, and they last teamed up in the Classic Chase at Warwick five weeks ago, when they dug deep to hold off Galia Des Liteaux, with their other 11 rivals strung out 12 and more lengths behind.
The eight-year-old mare has an extra five pounds to cart around this time, but it appears that she is still slightly ahead of the handicapper, and is the type to relish a stern stamina test such as this.
Of those carrying more appealing each-way value, then Dylan Johnston’s useful five-pound claim might help Iwilldoit overcome top weight after the 11-year-old gave a good account of himself to finish third in the Welsh Grand National in December.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Iwilldoit finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Flying even lower under the bookies radar, Chambard was a winner of the Kim Muir at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and finished runner-up of 16 at that same venue on season debut in November.
The 12-year-old went one better to land the 12-runner Becher Chase by 13 lengths at Aintree in December, could be excused for failing to get round in the Welsh Grand National less than three weeks later, and should now be in good shape following a more forgiving seven-week break.
Venetia Williams has an impressive record at this venue (19% win rate, 51% place rate) and has saddled three of the last 10 winners of this renewal, including 18/1 shot Quick Wave last year, so we shouldn’t be overly surprised by another bold showing from Chambard here under Lucy Turner’s useful five-pound claim
Outsider punt: Chambard each-way in the 15:15 at Haydock
- Tip advised by OutsiderSpeedPicks on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Saturday ITV racing tips: Best bets for Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton on February 17
