Expect Kauto to reign at Haydock as Racing weathers the storm – this weekend’s tips

The rain might be laying siege to various parts of the UK, but the expected deluge is yet to hit Haydock and all being well it’s all systems go for a top notch double header from both Ascot and the Newton-le-Willows track live on C4 on Saturday afternoon.

With Sunday boasting a cracking Aintree and Navan menu there’s plenty to look forward to for punters.

Before then one place where they’ve certainly had their fair share of the downpour is borders track Kelso, and Friday afternoon’s card includes a couple I fancy, with Gloucestershire handler Nigel Twiston-Davies (fresh from picking up his leading trainer award at the Cheltenham Open Meeting) sending novice chaser Little Josh on the long trek north (Biotal Beginners’ Chase 1.50pm).

He’ll go on the very testing ground as his win in bottomless ground at Chepstow in February testifies, and if he’s none the worse for an unfortunate capsize at Cheltenham last friday he can gain his first success over fences here, given that his first spin over the larger obstacles yielded a pleasing second to Door Boy at Aintree, and his yard are typically prospering at this time of year.

He was the best of these over hurdles, and should win with a bit to spare here as his cramped odds imply.

A little later this afternoon in-form Garleton can make it four wins from five appearances when he lines up in the Lloyd New Holland Handicap Chase over 3m 1f at 3.00pm.

The eight year old has improved over a stone since joining the Sue Smith team, and has struck up a fruitful relationship with today’s pilot Tjade Collier, the talented Dutch/Irish conditional who speaks with an accent something roughly akin to having recently inhaled a vast quantity of helium.

Although he’s been racing on a predominately better surface of late Garleton does have form on heavy ground earlier in his career, connections are happy with him, and a current mark of 106 doesn’t look to the the ceiling of his ability.

Back him to win at 3/1 with Paddy Power.

What I’m really looking forward to though is Saturday’s big clash at Haydock between Kauto Star and Notre Pere in the Betfair Chase (2.55pm).

Throw in Hennessy winner Madison Du Berlais and Ryanair Chase victor Imperial Commander and you’ve got the makings of a proper contest.

Kauto’s been on the drift all week with fears about the weather combined with doubts about the form of the stable following the defeat of Master Minded at Cheltenham on Sunday.

However – factor in the rain – 12mm was expected on Thursday night but Clerk of the Course Kirkland Telwright reported only 2mm arrived.

Mudlark Notre Pere is the one they’ve been falling over themselves to back, but Haydock’s a much sharper track these days and I’m not sure it’ll suit him. What’s more, if the worst of the rain continues to stay away his key advantage might not be brought into play to such a degree.

Kauto Star looked as good as ever at the end of last season, he’s won every completed start in this country on soft ground, and he can prove the doubters wrong in emphatic style at odds of 5/4 with any of totesport, Paddy Power or Stan James.

He’s rated a minimum of 17lbs clear of all of them on official figures and class can tell.

Finally, a little later in the day Alan King can bring glad tidings to anyone hanging around for Ascot’s bumper at 3.45pm – he really likes the look of debutant Mister Chancer, a four year old Craigsteel gelding who’s been making waves on the gallops at home.

A couple of quid each way at 12/1 with bet365 looks the way to go.

Good luck!

This weekend’s tips:

1.50 Kelso (Friday) – Biotal Beginners’ Chase – 4 Little Josh (win)

3.00 Kelso (Friday) – Lloyd New Holland Handicap Chase – 4 Garleton (win) @ 3/1 (Paddy Power)

2.55 Haydock (Saturday) – Betfair Chase – 3 Kauto Star (win) @ 5/4 (Totesport, Paddy Power or Stan James)

3.45 Ascot (Saturday) – Colin Parfitt 42 Years At Ascot Standard Open NH Flat Race – 8 Mister Chancer (each way) @ 12/1 (bet365)