Richard Birch's advice for the £3.5 million Scoop6

The major attraction of the Scoop6 has always been the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of winning an absolute fortune for a small outlay.

It’s no surprise that the organisers have picked six of the most competitive, fiendishly difficult puzzles to solve from Taunton, Navan, Ascot and Haydock, so burning the midnight oil looks a necessity.

Only two legs of £3.5 million Scoop6 to be shown on ITV4

The Scoop6 is entirely different to day-to-day methods of punting where you are taking value into the equation. All you are looking for in this bet is the winner of the race.

I’ve elected to keep it simple by making two selections in each race, which comprises 64 lines – an outlay of £128 best pooled together with friends in a syndicate.

The opening leg (Taunton 1.05) is as trappy as they get, but my eyes were initially drawn to Silver Quay, the mount of Bryony Frost who was simply brilliant on Midnight Bliss at Fontwell on Monday.

His course third to Gwalia over a shorter trip in a better race reads well, and I prefer him to The Major, whose rider Rex Dingle claims a valuable 5lb.

Hat-trick-seeking Ronald Pump has been hammered by the handicapper following his New Year’s Day win at Fairyhouse. Focus on the joint bottom weights Melly And Me and Agusta Gold to take advantage in leg two (Navan 1.35) instead.

It would be foolish not to pick Goose Man in leg three (Navan 2.10). Rated 134 over fences, he returns to hurdles off a 30lb lower mark and should take all the beating despite being pitched against 19 rivals.

Eviscerating, the mount of Rachael Blackmore, is my other selection in the race.

If we’re lucky enough to still be in the hunt by leg four (Ascot 3.00), I am confident that one of my favourite jumpers in training, Mr Medic, can do us proud in the bet365 Handicap Chase. He loves Ascot, and would have finished third behind Frodon and Cepage – top-class form – at Cheltenham had he not made an uncharacteristic error four out.

Gary Moore’s Benatar, another course-and-distance winner, also has a massive run in him.

Captain Redbeard, a Haydock specialist, didn’t seem to enjoy jumping the National fences at Aintree last month. Back at his favourite track he must run a big race in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (leg five; Haydock 3.15). Ballyarthur must also be included in perms.

It gets no easier in leg six (Haydock 4.15). Goodbye Dancer, better than recent efforts suggest, and Silva Eclipse are the suggestions.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app