Thursday 18 February 2016 5:15 pm

Racing betting: Trust Rigadin De Beauchene back at his beloved Haydock

Sports Editor

Ground conditions are sure to be testing at Haydock on Saturday for their Grand National Trial (2.40pm) where the ability to stay and handle heavy ground will be imperative.

Market leaders Mountainous and Cloudy Too have both shown their love for quagmire-like conditions by winning the Welsh National and Peter Marsh Chase respectively on bottomless ground.

However, both have been raised 10lb by the handicapper and will find the job harder here.

When the ground is heavy, it often pays to stick with trainer Venetia Williams, who was amongst the winners again last weekend when Houblon Des Obeaux won the Denman Chase at Newbury.

She saddles RIGADIN DE BEAUCHENE who has two course wins to his name and was in the process of running really well at Warwick last time when hampered by a loose horse and coming to grief at the 15th fence.

The 11-year-old won this race two years ago off a 2lb lower mark and, with conditions in his favour again, he can go well at 7/1.

Nicky Henderson has been in patchy form for most of the season but his FIXE LE KAP can book his place in the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival next month by winning the juvenile hurdle (1.30pm).

Unbeaten in two starts so far for his trainer, my selection will relish the underfoot conditions and continue on his steep upward curve.

Richard Johnson is heading up to Haydock and that is a big pointer to the claims of DUKE DES CHAMPS in the Albert Bartlett Trial (4.25pm).He was deeply impressive at Ascot last time, will love the ground and is top-rated.