Saturday’s action centres on two very different tests at Haydock and Ascot, where the ground, pace and race shape will be far more important than reputation.

Haydock looks set to ride on the soft side again, which usually turns races into stamina tests, while Ascot’s stiff finish and demanding fences will expose any weakness late on.

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Haydock

1.25 – Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

This is a key trial for the Supreme at Cheltenham and often tells us who really has the class for the top level.

Old Park Star sets the standard. Nicky Henderson has a superb record in this race and this horse looks cut from the same cloth as his better two-mile novices. He travels strongly, jumps neatly and has shown a good turn of foot.

Hurricane Pat brings solid form after his Sandown win but that was more of a stamina test. This sharper track may just find him out for pace.

Tashkhan is classy on the Flat but hasn’t looked natural enough over hurdles at this level.

Verdict: OLD PARK STAR
Looks the most likely winner and the strongest Supreme contender.

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2.00 – Sky Bet Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

This is one of the hardest races of the season to win and usually goes to a proven stayer who handles Haydock’s testing ground.

Royale Pagaille is a Haydock legend, but asking a 12-year-old to carry top weight in a Premier Handicap on ground that may not be deep enough is a big ask.

Konfusion and Mr Vango are likely to go hard up front, which could set the race up for something stalking the pace.

That brings Myretown firmly into the picture. He’s a Cheltenham Festival winner, looks well treated on his best form and should get a good tow into the race. The fall at Newbury is a concern, but everything about this looks like a deliberate target.

Johnnywho may stay on late but doesn’t win often.

Verdict: MYRETOWN
Well weighted, race should be run to suit, and still has improvement in him.

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Ascot

3.30 – Clarence House Chase (Grade 1)

A small field but a fascinating tactical race.

Thistle Ask will go forward and ensure a strong pace. Jonbon, now with Harry Cobden riding, is a class act but has a habit of racing too freely, especially when taken on early.

That could again play into the hands of Il Etait Temps, who has already beaten Jonbon twice. He jumps slickly, settles well and finishes strongly — ideal traits for Ascot.

If the pace is strong, he looks the one most likely to pick them up after the last.

Verdict: IL ETAIT TEMPS
Race shape looks perfect for him once again.

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1.40 – Warfield Mares’ Hurdle

Nurse Susan brings solid form and experience, and Dan Skelton does very well in these mares’ races. Joyeuse is unexposed but still has something to prove at this level.

Verdict: NURSE SUSAN

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2.53 – Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle

The booking of Harry Cobden for Thanksforthehelp catches the eye, especially for the McManus team. This looks like a planned strike.

Verdict: THANKSFORTHEHELP

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Best Bets Summary

• Nap: Old Park Star – Rossington Main (Haydock 1.25)
• Value Play: Il Etait Temps – Clarence House Chase (Ascot 3.30)
• Handicap Bet: Myretown – Peter Marsh Chase (Haydock 2.00)