RICHARD Johnson is in pole position to land his second champion jockey title in April, having been runner-up to AP McCoy an astonishing 16 times.
The pack are currently over 40 winners adrift with Brian Hughes surprisingly now his nearest pursuer.
The Ulsterman is comfortably the top dog in the North and he has developed a seriously powerful partnership with trainer Malcolm Jefferson.
I’m taking them to continue their rich vein of form at Haydock on Saturday, as TRICKAWAY looks to have very solid claims in the Tommy Whittle Chase (2.40pm).
Formerly trained by Philip Hobbs, the eight-year-old won well on his first start for Jefferson at Kelso last month.
The step up to three miles looks likely to suit and, although he is a little quirky, he’s coming into this race in the form of his life with a jockey full of confidence.
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This doesn’t look to be the strongest renewal of this race and he can land the hat-trick following his wins at Kelso and Southwell back in May.
The Jefferson-Hughes combination also looks to have another huge chance earlier on the card.
It was impossible not to be impressed with CLOUDY DREAM when he won at this course last month and he is taken to follow up in the Racing UK Anywhere Novices’ Chase (12.20pm).
Admittedly, he was receiving plenty of weight that day, but he made his rivals look ordinary, jumping with aplomb.
He’s been faultless in his two chasing starts this campaign, while he was unlucky to only finish second to Ch’tibello in the Scottish Champion Hurdle back in April.
This six-year-old son of Cloudings is the apple of Jefferson’s eye and he can take advantage of his chasing experience.
POINTERS (Saturday)
Cloudy Dream 12.20pm Haydock
Trickaway e/w 2.40pm Haydock