The Punt Daily: Robbie Wilders' three Saturday plays at Haydock and Ascot

EYECATCHER

Top Ville Ben (2.05 Haydock)

The big two in the market for the Rendlesham Hurdle, Thomas Darby and Molly Ollys Wishes, could be inconvenienced by testing ground over 3m½f and Top Ville Ben can serve it up to both at a much bigger price. He refound his mojo back over hurdles last time, winning with a bit of authority over the reopposing Emitom, and boasts form figures of 13F11 on heavy. He will not be found wanting for stamina and avoids a penalty for his recent Lingfield success. Top Ville Ben makes slightly more appeal at the prices than last year's winner Third Wind, a strong stayer who is also feared with the ground in his favour.

EACH-WAY PLAY

Bill Baxter (3.15 Haydock)

The booking of Brian Hughes catches the eye on Bill Baxter in the Pertemps qualifier at Haydock. The six-year-old boasted some smart bumper form last season but has taken a while to warm up over hurdles. The well-handicapped Art Of Diplomacy proved too strong for Bill Baxter on his handicap debut at Catterick last time but he remains open to plenty of improvement after just six starts under rules. Heavy ground is an unknown, but he handles soft well and his profile suggests he will appreciate a strong test of stamina over staying trips. He would need to bolt up off a mark of 119 if the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival is a feasible long-term target.

EACH-WAY PLAY

(4.10 Ascot)

If Bill Baxter wins at Haydock Art Of Diplomacy could go off a very short price in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle at Ascot. The Richard Newland-trained six-year-old was a staying-on third to the useful Call My Bluff over 2m2f on the Flat last autumn and is all about stamina over jumps too. Cillin Leonard's 5lb claim negates half of the 10lb rise Art Of Diplomacy incurred for his dominant Catterick victory last time and Leonard is worth noting when he rides for the yard, with a 22 per cent strike-rate yielding a +£13.85 profit to £1 stakes. This thriving hurdler should still have his best days ahead of him and bookmakers are generously offering four or five places for this 15-runner contest.

Sign up to receive The Ante-Postman, Robbie Wilders' new weekly newsletter. Get weekend tips, Cheltenham Festival fancies and big-race selections delivered straight to your inbox.