Mixed card at Haydock

Haydock stages an interesting meeting today, starting with 3 very competitive N.H. races, followed by 4 flat races. Best race over jumps is undoubtedly the valuable Swinton Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles at 15.00 CET. With 24 runners this is wide open, although the betting suggests that Irish raider Leg Spinner (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh) and Blue Bajan (Amdrew Turell/ Graham Lee) are the two to beat. Tony Martin has an excellent record in big British handicaps and Leg Spinner has proved to be a money-spinner on many occasions and will have the fast ground he needs. Two useful ex-flat horses Group Captain (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Chantaco (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) are among the main threats. Best event on the flat is the listed 7 furlongs race at 17.30. Welsh Emperor (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton) is the likely favourite here, but the ground may not be to his liking. For beckermet (Roger Fisdher/ Chris Catlin) the distance may be a shade too far. Ex-German Raptor (Kark Burke/ Fergus Sweeney) is however running over his best trip, while Diamond Tycoon (Brian Meehan/ Neil Callan) has been dropped in distance and looks a danger to all.