HAYDOCK PARK
Race 3 No1 MATATA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston- Davies – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
This stable has by their standards been quiet over the Christmas period, but the hooded MATATA should put on on the board by taking out an interesting opener. The selection needs to settle better than when he ran at Wetherby last time, but if doing so can bounce back and repeat his debut success over jumps at Fakenham.
Race 4 No7 YOUNG BULL (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
YOUNG BULL is a horse that’s of great interest on his return from what proved a chequered campaign in which he only made it to the track twice last season. The eight-year-old was a multiple winner in bumper and novice and handicap hurdles company before embarking on that career over fences. He chased the shadow of the useful Demachine in two starts before training issues forced him onto the sidelines. He then proved competitive in stronger races at Newbury and Uttoxeter and is having a first race since. His trainer is amongst the winners, and a big earning run is in the offing.
Race 5 No1 JUNGLE JACK (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
JUNGLE JACK met with defeat on only the final of his four starts last season and returned to power home over this course and distance last month. With underfoot conditions again in his favour, the talented novice can add to his laurels and defy his new mark.
Race 6 No12 NICEANDEASY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Brian Hughes
This three-and-a-half miler is expected to develop into a war of attrition with NICEANDEASY a strong each way contender providing he can keep out of trouble. He was just getting into the shake-up when falling two out in the Scottish Borders National at Kelso, and now has the champion jockey back in his saddle. He will encounter strong opposition from Morning Spirit and top weight Good Boy Bobby but is certainly not out of it from his position at the base of the weights.