Five to follow: names to note at Haydock and Ascot on Saturday

Paul Nicholls’ charge has proved deeply impressive in two starts over fences this season, quickening clear in good style at both Plumpton and last time at Newbury. Economical over his fences, he was a cosy winner there and that form has been given a boost with the third Theatre Man running very well in a competitive handicap on Festival Trials Day since.

This will be no easy task conceding weight to Apple Away, but she was firmly put in her place over three miles by Grey Dawning last time out and, while the ground will not be an issue for her, I still think she has it to prove over fences.

This is not the strongest of races and Lantry Lady looks a nice prospect for Henry De Bromhead. 

She has not been seen since scoring on her debut over flights back in March 2023, but that win came over course and distance and she is clearly suited by testing ground.

What’s Up Darling is conceivably the main rival given his Graded win at Navan on his penultimate start, but he is arguably open to less improvement than Lantry Lady who gets the nod. 

Charlie Longsdon’s charge had hinted at a return to form when a good third at Doncaster on his seasonal debut and confirmed that impression with an easy win at Kempton when making most last time out. He has only gone up 3lb for that victory and, while he is pitched into a tougher handicap here, he remains a horse firmly on the up.

Things did not go to plan when connections rolled the dice in the Supreme and the Top Novices’ Hurdle at the back-end of last season, but the return to calmer waters so far this term has highlighted his tactical versatility as well as his economical jumping, which should serve him well in this event. 

A smart winner at Wetherby on deep ground on his seasonal return, he has been far from disgraced in Grade One company on his last couple of starts and was in front at the final flight in the Cleeve Hurdle before he was outstayed up the hill, beaten five and a half lengths.

He seems to be thriving at present and impressed at Haydock on his only other start at this track when landing a valuable handicap in November 2022. 

There a couple of progressive contenders in this event, but Botox Has has solid Grade One form in his recent back catalogue and he is taken to come out on top.

Gavin Cromwell has enjoyed nine winners from his 42 in Britain this season and Yeah Man looks open to further improvement over this trip.

He was staying on strongly when falling at the final fence on his seasonal debut at Ascot before again keeping on well to take second at the same track last time out. 

He is shaping as if a further step up in trip will suit and remains firmly unexposed for a trainer who is having a fantastic campaign.