Martin Dixon has a Genius tip for Saturday

It is a negative that Ben Sutton isn't able to use his usual claim in this Grade Two novice contest but I'm still happy to have a small bet on Ubatuba at 11-2 at the time of writing given that he's created such a striking impression on both of his Rules starts.

First time out at Leicester he was very strong in the market and justified it in style, powering away from the second last, and then in a better race last time he was again dominant, ridden more confidently and readily picking off the reopposing Skuna Bay and the talented Starzand. He handles testing ground and I'm expecting more improvement stepping up in trip. 

A thorough stamina test on testing ground is what Monbeg Genius wants nowadays and considering that the Welsh National came just on the back of the O'Neill yard shutting down for a few weeks I thought it was a highly encouraging effort to finish fifth at Chepstow.

He has to turn form around with Deafening Silence but has slipped down 2lb, which puts him off the same mark as when successful at Uttoxeter last season and on his only previous visit to Haydock he finished a good second.

At anything 8-1 or bigger - he's a top price of 12-1 at the time of typing - he's a very solid each-way bet. 

Jeremy Scott has had a couple of winners from a small number of runners  in February to underline positive stable form and his Champagne Chic appeals as a sound each-way bet at odds of 9-1.

He showed improved form for an increased test of stamina when winning at Wincanton last month and saw off two progressive rivals into second/third in the process. Conditions here will suit perfectly again and as a lightly-raced six year old I still think he has plenty of upside.