Saturday’s Peter Marsh Chase betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
Don't miss the latest trainer quotes ahead of the Grade 2 contest at Haydock on Saturday
A CRACKING field of 11 have assembled for the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock.
It's a wide open race, with Daklondike the current favourite with the bookies for the £75,000 contest.
1. Valtor - Nicky Henderson/Daryl Jacob
NON-RUNNER
2. One For Arthur - Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox (12-1)
2017 Grand National hero who unseated his rider early on his belated return to action in December.
Stays all day and has won at this track, so no surprise to see him go close.
Lucinda Russell on One For Arthur
"I'm really pleased with him. I'm probably more pleased with him now than I was before Aintree.
"That school he had at Ayr was wonderful and we're now going to Haydock.
"There was rain forecast, so hopefully that or sleet will soften up the ground. That would be fine.
"I'm looking forward to it. In a way it's like his first time back at the track, because he didn't do very much last time.
"He has come on a lot since then and I'm sure he will improve again for Saturday's run. I'm very happy with the way we have him."
3. Otago Trail - Venetia Williams/Hugh Nugent (11-2)
Good servant to his yard but ran a poor race at Ascot last time out.
Capable of bouncing back and he would be a massive contender if putting his best foot forward.
4. Wakanda - Sue Smith/Danny Cook (7-1)
Only one win in the last three years but he has slipped to a good mark as a result.
Didn't run badly when fourth at Wetherby latest, so worth close consideration.
5. Robinsfirth - Colin Tizzard/Richard Johnson (6-1)
Lightly-raced for his age and returns from 400 days off the track.
Good winner at Cheltenham when last sighted and he will pose a big threat to all if fully revved up.
6. Daklondike - David Pipe/Tom Scudamore (5-1)
Won going away in the Tommy Whittle Chase here last time out.
This slightly longer trip is a positive and he is another with rock-solid claims.
David Pipe on Daklondike
"He put up a good performance at Haydock last time. This is a little bit further, which will help.
"He disappointed at Cheltenham in November, but battled well last time to beat Ballyarthur close home.
"The softer the ground the better for him. The visor worked a treat last time and hopefully he will put his best foot forward again on Saturday.
"It's a hot race, but he's seven and he's a decent horse on his day."
7. Captain Redbeard - Stuart Coltherd/Sam Coltherd (7-1)
Yet to finish outside of the first three on six visits to this track.
Finished second in this race last year off the same mark. Each-way chance again.
8. Chase The Spud - Fergal O'Brien/Adam Wedge (33-1)
2017 Midlands National winner who goes well at this track.
Badly out of sorts of late, however, and he remains on a stiff enough mark.
9. Red Infantry - Ian Williams/Tom O'Brien (8-1)
Stayed on strongly to win a big 3m4f handicap chase at this venue in November.
Drop in trip not ideal and he will need this to be a thorough stamina test to get involved.
10. Three Musketeers - Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton (14-1)
Smart performer in his younger days but been very hit and miss since.
Stamina to prove on his first try at this trip. Others appeal more.
Dan Skelton on Three Musketeers
"I think the trip will suit him.
"I could give him some sort of chance but it's just been a while since he had any real form which tempers my enthusiasm a fraction."
11. Ballyarthur - Nigel Twiston-Davies/Jamie Bargary (15-2)
Likeable performer who was outstayed by Daklondike here last time.
Longer trip to deal with here and others convince as stronger stayers.
12. Ballydine - Charlie Longsdon/James Bowen (8-1)
Looked a thorough stayer when second in a good race at Newbury last time.
Gets weight all round and he appeals as the type to benefit from the fitting of cheekpieces.