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14:00 Haydock - Back Myretown @ 2/13.00
This year's renewal of the Sky Bet Peter Marsh Handicap Chase has a cracking look to it, with old stager Royale Pagaille attempting to fend off a trio of credible younger rivals at a course where he goes so well.
Venetia Williams' veteran made a sound return to action when second to Grey Dawning in the Betfair Chase in November, though it's perhaps worth noting he didn't go on from that race last season having taken it on his reappearance.
Nicky Henderson's Johnnywho looks the type to bag a big staying handicap this season - perhaps even the National itself - and he isn't readily passed over, though neither is Konfusion, who has been very much on the up as a chaser and did this column a favour when winning at Wetherby last time.
However, there's an air of unfinished business about Myretown, who was in a good rhythm in front in the Coral Gold Cup in November before coming to grief at the ninth.
Despite having a couple of falls on his CV, Myretwon's jumping is largely sound and was a feature of his three chase wins last season, including an impressive success in the Ultima at Cheltenham.
He's another who has got his name pencilled in for a big one this season and I'm hopeful he can put his Newbury blip behind him with victory here.
Back Myretown in 14:00 Haydock
14:35 Haydock - Back Phantomofthepoints @ 17/29.50
The following 3m handicap hurdle has an open look to it and Dan Skelton's Dalston Lad has to be towards the top any shortlist.
This former point and bumper winner is progressing at a rate of knots over hurdles and got off the mark at the third attempt over timber in convincing fashion Sedgefield on Boxing Day, with first-time cheekpieces appearing to bring about some improvement.
He looks sure to be suited by this step up to 3m and is completely unexposed making his handicap debut for a yard that continues to excel this season, though the waters will be much deeper this time around.
While respectful of Dalston Lad's obvious chances, I'm going to take him on with Phantomofthepoints, who sits just 2lb above his last winning mark and returns to hurdles following an unfortunate spill on chase debut last time.
David Pipe's son of Mount Nelson is an uncomplicated sort who should be towards the fore throughout and looks a tad overpriced at around 17/29.50.
Back Phantomofthepoints in 14:35 Haydock
14:53 Ascot - Back Came From Nowhere @ 9/43.25
Jeremy Scott has got his team in good heart and the Champion Hurdle-winning trainer will have his eye on another big pot in this 2m 3f handicap hurdle with Came From Nowhere.
Although now a seven-year-old, Came From Nowhere is still low mileage having missed a chunk of time through injury but he looks like quickly making up for lost time if his recent Hereford success is anything to by.
That was just the selection's fifth start over hurdles and he appeared to benefit from a combination of a first-time tongue tie and a step up in trip, only having to be pushed out to record a cosy success.
That win was from a mark of 117 but a 7lb rise for that success may not be enough to stop Came From Nowhere going in again and he's still unexposed in a field that hold few secrets from the handicapper.
Back Came From Nowhere in 14:53 Ascot