Login
WATCH FREE
Haydock run could be key to Ma Shantou’s seasonal aim
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 9 Nov 2025
Emma Lavelle’s Ma Shantou will see his mettle tested in a valuable staying handicap hurdle before further plans are devised for the season.
The bumper-winning six-year-old was third in the Grade Two River Don as a novice last term, going on to finish seventh in the Albert Bartlett on his final start of the campaign.
He made a successful handicap debut on his seasonal return in a three-mile Pertemps qualifier at Cheltenham last month and is now due to shoulder a 9lb rise in the Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on November 22.
“He’s come out of Cheltenham really well, he is ticking over with Haydock later in the month the plan,” said Lavelle.
“That will tell us a bit more about what direction we head in next. He’s definitely in very good shape and we’re looking forward to getting him out again.
“It’s up a grade and he has gone up in the weights, so it will help us decide if he will go the Pertemps route or if he could go down the Stayers’ Hurdle route instead.
“If we’re going to be heading for that then he’ll need to run a big race at Haydock, so we will learn something whatever happens.
“He’s so straightforward and he loves his jumping, which stands him in good stead, and you can ride him how you want to depending on how the race is run.”
Enjoy a FREE month trial of Racing TV! Click here for more details
Related posts
Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow
Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"
Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team
Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup
William Buick set to be reunited with Touleen at Ascot
Featured offers
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved