Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at Saturday’s racing at Haydock.

Good Friday saw the most competitive all-weather racing that I have ever seen and that’s no hyperbole. However, was there any need to have Chelmsford race in addition to Newcastle & Lingfield.  If the crowds haven’t turned out for Friday’s Bank Holiday racing, then the sport is in trouble.

A bumper Easter Weekend of big race action continues Saturday. After yesterday’s all-weather fare it’s back to the grass. We have flat turf racing at Musselburgh and good jumps card at Haydock.

Fairyhouse’s three day Easter Festival gets underway. We also have World Cup Night at Meydan which I looked in Thursday’s column.

After Friday’s bumper Good Friday programme there’s just seven races live on ITV on Saturday, four from Musselburgh and three from Haydock.

There’s no ITV Racing on Sunday but that doesn’t mean there isn’t quality action on offer. At Fairyhouse there are two Grade 1’s:  Gold Cup (4.55) and Mares Novice Hurdle (2.35). This side of the Irish Sea there’s even Premier Racing at Plumpton. However, I think the Premier Racing concept is being stretched somewhat.

Returning to Saturday's action, the day is packed with 15 races on my shortlist, thanks to the action at Meydan and Fairyhouse, yikes. This makes Easter Saturday the busiest day of the year in terms of potential betting for me. There's unlikely to be another day in 2024 that matches it for opportunities and intensity – well, at least for me it does.

With such an abundance of quality racing, deciding what to feature in today's column is indeed a challenging task. Since I've already covered the Meydan action, there's no need to revisit old ground here. As Haydock will be televised on ITV, I'll delve into those three races.

Haydock

2:05 – My Pension Expert Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 1m 7 ½

Milldam, eyeing a hat trick, faces stiff competition from Playful Saint, who looks well-treated on his best form. Brentford Hope, back to winning ways last time, and consistent performer Mr Mackay also warrant consideration.

2:40 – New Racing TV App Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 3m ½ f

Shoeshine Boy aims for a hat trick after victories at Ayr and Kelso has solid claims. Martha Brae can win this on a going day but prefer better ground. Picanha ran well for a long way on a return from a 22 month layoff at Newbury 49 days ago and looks capable of a big performance.

3:15 – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase Finale (Class 2) – 2m 4f

Thor De Cerisy holds a solid chance with Harry Cobden booked, while Numitor, below his last winning mark will be sharper for his recent belated seasonal reappearance. Riders Onthe Storm is another serious rival who is more than capable of winning this on a going day.

Saturday Selection:

I was close to outing up Playful Saint in the 2:05 but in the end I’ve plumped for Picanha.  It’s worth bearing in mind that his 6/1 odds are now on the skinny side.

Haydock

2:40 – Picanha.

There won't be a Sunday column this week. I'll be back on Monday to delve into the Bank Holiday racing.

Good luck with your Saturday bets.

John