Chance Du Roy the each-way value in Peter Marsh Chase

The Peter Marsh Handicap Chase promises to be a real slog this year with the going heavy at Haydock. A field of ten have been declared for Saturday’s feature race with the weights headed by Gary Moore’s Vino Griego.

Jamie Moore is in action at Ascot to partner stable star Sire De Grugy so brother Joshua takes 3lbs off Vino Griego here. The nine-year-old was in great form last season, winning at Cheltenham and Ascot before finishing second at the festival in March.

He failed to complete on his first two starts this term but bounced back with an easy win in a three-runner race at Sandown last time out. The form is difficult to assess and there will be greater pressure on his jumping here.

Venetia Williams can do little wrong at the moment and she will be hoping that Katenko can return to his best. He looked to be travelling well when falling in the Hennessy but showed little sparkle when a modest fourth behind Unioniste at Aintree.

Merry King also ran in the Hennessy, finishing fifth before taking his chance in the Welsh National. He ran well for a long way there but looked one-paced in the closing stages. Jonjo O’Neill is fitting a visor to try and get a bit more out of him here and he is weighted to run a big race.

Just behind him at Chepstow was Vintage Star for the Grand National winning team of Sue Smith and Ryan Mania. He faded in the closing stages and will appreciate dropping back in trip here. Sydney Paget was disappointing when pulled up in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby but had previously won impressively over course and distance.

The best value at early prices looks to be the 10-1 about Aintree Becher Chase winner Chance Du Roy. He fought off a determined effort from the veteran Baby Run to win there and Philip Hobbs has his stable in terrific form.

Night Alliance won the Tommy Whittle Chase here recently but that didn’t look a particularly strong renewal. The Minack is coming back after a lengthy absence whilst Wychwoods Brook and Valoroso are out of the handicap.