Punting pointers as Lord Du Mesnil aims to land Haydock double in The Last Fling

2.00 Haydock
Last Fling Handicap Chase | 3m4½f, 4yo+ | RTV

Six proven staying chasers are set to go to post for this stamina-sapping contest and Richard Hobson's hat-trick-seeking Lord Du Mesnil stands out as the likely market leader after a brace of impressive scores this winter.

The six-year-old was winless in 23 starts before gamely fending off Sam's Adventure at Newcastle last month under an aggressive ride. That victory seemed to give Hobson's charge a new lease of life and he was never challenged on his follow-up bid in the Tommy Whittle at this track nine days ago.

That is good form in the context of this race and although he has subsequently gone up 10lb in the weights, his Racing Post Rating of 148 achieved that day suggests he could still be chucked in.

However, he might have his work cut out to fend off topweight Thomas Patrick, who makes his reappearance after 317 days off the track for the in-form Tom Lacey yard.

Thomas Patrick (leading): second behind Elegant Escape on his reappearance last termCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thomas Patrick was disappointing on a number of occasions last campaign, including when sent off favourite for the Ladbrokes Trophy, but ran his best race on his first start last season behind Elegant Escape and could be best caught fresh.

Classic Ben, who returns to the track after competing in a void race, could rate a danger off just 11st, while Fact Of The Matter is also worthy of a mention as he returns to regulation fences after a successful period in cross-country affairs. His mark leaves no room for error, though.

Tom Collins, Racing Post tipster

Punting pointers

The nine-day turnaround for Lord Du Mesnil may not be a negative as the five winners of this race were all returning within 35 days of their last outing. Last year's winner Chef D'Oeuvre was returning to the track after 14 days and Classic Ben is the only runner who falls in this window.

When it comes to these marathon trips the ability to stay is all-important. Fact Of The Matter and Perfect Candidate are the only two runners to have won over 3m4½f or further, while Thomas Patrick is the only other runner to even have tried as far.

Look to those at the head of the market. In the five runnings of this since 2011 there has not been a winner returned at an SP bigger than 8-1 – with two winning favourites.

What the trainers say

Tom Lacey, trainer of Thomas Patrick
He had the option of going to Cheltenham on New Year's Day but this looks the more suitable race. He got injured in the summer in the field and it took an age to get him right, but he's grand now. He's going three mile-four after a break but he loves soft ground.

Richard Hobson, trainer Lord Du Mesnil
He's come out of the Tommy Whittle so well we've decided to go to Haydock again. He was lacking so much confidence but now he's won his last two races he thinks he's the bee's knees. He's gone up 10lb and if he can carry the extra weight he'll be thereabouts.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Perfect Candidate
He could have gone to Cheltenham on Wednesday but there's a small field for this and he won well at Haydock last time. He was out hunting on Christmas Eve and seems in good form. He goes on any ground but soft to heavy ground is a help as it slows the others down.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Fact Of The Matter
He's switching back to regulation fences having been very good over the cross-country fences. He's racing off 136, which is a question mark, but he's in great order. We're hoping the ground isn't too bad because he goes better on better ground.

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