Dave Nevison's Friday tips: best bets at Haydock and Pontefract

Pal Joey is a lightly-raced three-year-old making his handicap debut, and might have got in off a fair mark against very exposed opposition. 

Ben Haslam’s runners are generally performing well, and this well-bred type certainly shaped nicely on his penultimate start at Doncaster where he finished third behind two above-average rivals, and ahead of previous winners. 

His latest run would have resulted in another good placed effort but for him being short of room at a crucial stage, and finishing fifth there has tied the handicapper’s hands a little.

Provided inexperience doesn’t hinder him here, he should be able to go close. 

Russian Crescendo went off favourite for her reappearance run at Southwell but was actually quite weak in the market, and ended up running disappointingly, but it looked as though the race was badly needed. 

That contest has actually proved to be a very strong affair for the track, with almost every contender from it now running off a higher handicap mark. William Haggas’ daughter of Cracksman has not been seen since, and has obviously had an issue, but she looked very promising when scoring twice at the end of last season, and if she is back on an upward curve, she should outclass these rivals off top weight. 

A positive move in the market would boost confidence. 

Having disappointed on his final start last season, this five-year-old returned to form following a break when backed into favouritism over this course and distance.

He won narrowly but cosily there and, given he has performed well on both starts at Pontefract, this looks a good opportunity to show his liking for the Yorkshire course once more, despite a 5lb penalty. 

Walsingham can still be regarded as well weighted on his Irish form for Dermot Weld, and he could be an interesting horse in higher-grade handicaps this summer if he follows up here.