RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (FRIDAY)

13:45 Haydock

ALAADEL was a beaten favourite at Goodwood last time out but returns to a course he has a 100% record at. He was successful here in September last year in a decent Class 2 handicap on soft ground. He has his ground, he’s in a lower grade and on a handicap mark lower than his last winning one. At 15/2 I’m happy to take an each way chance on him. ALAADEL

14:10 Fakenham

This race may have five set to go to post but based on the betting alone many see it as just a two horse contest. Paul Nicholls has his horses flying and he sends out favourite Switch Hitter. That being said I’m going against Nicholls charge and feel that with close to a year on the sidelines (345 in total) I’m going to side with a rival who has fitness on his side.

Olly Murphy’s HERE COMES JOHNY returned to action when second at Market Rasen, should be fitter for that effort and can go one better this time around.

HERE COMES JOHNY

16:00 Leopardstown

With two wins and two places here at Leopardstown DUCKY MALLON has a decent course record and although the nine year old veteran has been poor of late his best performance came when finishing 4th of fifteen over course and distance. A return to this venue with 7lbs less weight on his back it’s worth backing him at around 14/1 to potentially spring a shock.

DUCKY MALLON written by Rory Paddock