A busy day's racing with some good action on the final weekend before Christmas. Here are the thoughts of our Long Shot tipster.
Haydock
J: Ned Fox
T: Miss V Williams
Frenchy Du Large returned to action after a long lay off at Ludlow at the start of the month and ran a fine race to finish 2nd of 7 beaten less than 2 lengths in the end. He had shown consistent form before that run, so it is hoped he can strip a bit fitter today and be right in the thick of things. On his only previous start over this track and distance he finished a good 2nd and today's soft ground conditions should also be no problems at all. With his stable in good form, it all bodes well for a big run. Frenchy Du Large rates a 4 star each way Pick.
Haydock
J: Ben Godfrey
T: K Woollacott
Stratton Oakmont showed some very consistent form in handicap hurdles last season and got a deserved success at Exeter to conclude the season. He returned to action with a good 3rd of 9 at Ffos Las last month and that run looked like it was very much needed to bring him on. Today's heavy ground conditions and 3m look to be optimum conditions for Stratton Oakmont and it would be no surprise were he to run a big race today. Stratton Oakmont rates a 4 star each way Pick.