Haydock locals are in fine form - just remember not to listen to their tips

Inside the Weighed Inn Bar, where Manchester brewer Joseph Holt provided the ale and a lady working in the Tote kiosk sported a fascinator, three guys sat with three pints. One of them called me over for a word.

"Lee, Lee, I've got a tip for you," said the man, his accent rich with a warm Scouse twang. "Perfect Swiss for Tim Easterby in the last. Will win."

There was still an hour before the first, let alone the last, but the lads, here from just down the road in Widnes, were ready, waiting and poised to get my pencil dashing across the notepad.