Thursday tips: Dave Nevison has three fancies at Haydock

This six-year-old former point-to-point winner was progressive in bumpers last season and is charting a similar course in hurdles this term. He looks a very interesting prospect for Fergal O’Brien.

Is This For Real jumped much better than in his two previous hurdle races when breaking his duck at Newcastle in January and doesn’t look overburdened on this his handicap debut off a mark of just 116.

The slight step up in trip here will not pose any problem for him and ground conditions look set to be very similar. He can take another step up the ladder.

Although she can hardly be described as unexposed after a very successful season, Heather Honey’s consistency suggests she is the insurance bet to nothing in this winnable mares' event. 

The Parkinson/Smith mare is rock solid in a race where several of her rivals have questions to answer. Last time out, she was beaten 11 lengths behind Dalston Lad, who was clearly thrown in and has won again since.He is one of three from that 10-runner race to have already won again subsequently.

The form couldn’t be more solid and she is in a much lower grade here against her own sex.

Idaho Valley is a consistent maiden, but looks to have a good chance of finally losing that tag here. The six-year-old's form figures provide evidence of a lack of pace, but that might be counterbalanced here by not being challenged for the early lead.

If he is able to dictate, then Theo Gillard may well be able to save a little energy and be able to stave off the inevitable challenges that will come later. In-form local trainer Donald McCain has opted for a tongue strap for the first time here and that might well also help Idaho Valley to battle on when things get tough.