Verdict

A typically wide open sprint handicap with a number able to stake a strong claim. With the Nicholls team in such great form it will be no surprise to see Brave Burt being sent off favourite after his two recent victories and he looks sure to run another good race. At the likely odds he represents poor value though and it could be that Sunley Sense may pop up and spring a surprise. Well suited by the soft ground, Sunley Sense has been knocking on the door and is closely handicapped with Brave Burt. Tayif ran a blinder to be fifth in the Stewards Cup last week and must be respected although the drop back to the minimum trip is far from ideal. Taras Emperor will revel in the ground and with his stable coming back to form is another with solid claims along with Gdansk, who gave Budelli a good race at Ripon on Monday and the more rain that falls on Haydock Park the better he is likely to fare.