Saturday Racing action at Haydock… Paul Nicholls’ rides

15:14 - Monmiral

“He is a gorgeous recruit from France who has made a stylish winning debut for us at Exeter before again impressing in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Doncaster. This race has always been the plan for Monmiral before he by-passes Cheltenham and heads to Aintree. It will be interesting to see how he gets on against Nassalem who is one of the best juveniles this season.”

16:25 - Young Buck

“He doubled his score for the season with a comfortable success from the front in heavy ground at Chepstow earlier this month. He won nicely despite idling in front that day in first time cheek pieces, continues to please at home, stays well, is now rated 133 and has solid claims in this more competitive Grade 2 novice hurdle. It will help if he gets a lead for longer at Haydock.”

17:00 - Bob And Co

“He was in top form in Hunter chases this time last year, winning twice ridden by his enthusiastic owner David Maxwell. The plan was to take him to Aintree for the Foxhunters until racing came to a halt. Bob and Co was struggling a little with his breathing last season so we sorted that out in the summer. He is in really good shape now and should take all the beating in this before heading to Cheltenham for the Hunter Chase for which he is already qualified.”

This weekend’s racing is also included as part of a new offering from Betfair, where punters can receive up to £40 in free bets as part of their new Race to Cheltenham offer.

For four consecutive Saturdays in the run-up to one of the biggest events in the racing calendar, both new and existing customers are able to build a £40 pot of free bets for the Cheltenham Festival.

Punters who spend £20 on the Betfair Exchange for Haydock will receive a free £10 bet for use during the festival, which starts on 16th March. Details