N.H. racing at Haydock and Punchestown (Ireland)

Jumps racing this afternoon in England at Haydock - the first N.H. meeting there of the new season- and in Ireland at Punchestown, where several promising types will be in action. There are the usual huge fields here, the exception being the first race, a novice hurdle at 14.15 CET, where 2 above average performers have scared off most of the opposition - Some Present (Tony Mullins/ Davy Russell) and Sweeps Hill (JE Kiely/ Tony McCoy). There may not be much between them, with slight preference for McCoy´s mount, and the jockey can complete a double with Noel Meade´s Jered in the beginners chase at 16.20. Another interesting runner is Ballymak (Gordon Ellioptt/ Russell), who runs in the 2 3/4 mile novice hurdle at 14.45. He is unbeaten in 3 races, 2 point-to-points and a bumper, and is expected to be a major player this season.

The card at Haydock is less exciting, but the handicap hurdle at 16.25 looks quite a hot race. French Saulaire (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has been a bit disappointing, but has now been dropped in the weights and could have a chance here; trainer and jockey might complete a double with Bruslini in the novice hurdle at 17.30. Otherwise we expect Silver Steel (Richard Ford/ Graham Lee) and Thai Vango (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) to take the handicap chases at 14.50 and 17.00 respectively.