Thankfully, Haydock survived a morning inspection and goes ahead on heavy ground.

Feature race is the Peter Marsh Chase at 1.55, an early trial for the Grand National and stamina will definitely be required in abundance over this three mile trip.

Betterbet.com make Leading Man and Snakebite their 4-1 joint favourites but we’ll look elsewhere for the winner and THE OUTLIER at 15-2 with better looks a decent price.

Trained by Venetia Williams whose stable has sent out seven winners from their last 24 runners, The Outlier ran a cracking race over course, distance, and the same heavy ground in December when a two length second to Sharp Belline. Earlier in the season, The Outlier was a 30 length winner at Towcester on heavy ground so his ability to handle today’s extreme conditions is taken as read.

Snakebite is preferred of the two favourites, although he is still lacking a little in experience over the larger obstacles.