Today's Horse Racing Tips: Lady Scatterley a contender for Haydock finale

Time for Hochfield to strike

15:50 Haydock - Back Hochfield @ 6.05/1

Coconut was declared a non-runner for this on Wednesday, and with the race weakened somewhat, this looks an ideal opportunity for Mark Johnston's Hochfield to win for the second time this term.

This looks a far easier assignment for the 6yo, who finished 15 lengths down the field in the Ebor last time. However, competing in one of the richest, and fiercest races on the calendar is a world away from the opposition he'll face today.

Hochfield has come down to mark of 96 and Andrew Breslin also claims 5lb to ease the burden of him being top weight against some younger rivals.

Without A Fight looks a classy opponent, but he is very short in the betting at 1.8810/11 considering his win last time was a novice at Newbury, and this will be his first switch to a handicap - where as Hochfield is far more experienced with some deeper races under his belt. The selection also stays well so he should make the running.

Easterby's filly can taste success again with soft conditions

16:20 Haydock - Back Lady Scatterley @ 4.03/1

The 16:20 Amateur Riders' Handicap can be narrowed down to a couple of runners. Trainer Heather Main's horses hit a nice bit of form at Sandown on Monday, and the team had another winner last night, so Para Queen is understandably towards the head of the betting following an improved effort.

However, the claims of Tim Easterby's Lady Scatterley stand out a little more.

The trainer landed a similar sort of contest for amateurs at Ripon recently, and his 4yo filly ran well last time in very testing conditions at Catterick from the same mark as today's.

She can make the running and stays 1m4f very well, so I expect William Easterby to utilise her stamina to adopt favoured front-running tactics.