Numitor to reign again in Haydock Veterans' Chase

NUMITOR can grab victory again in the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase (Series Final) (3.15pm) at Haydock Park this afternoon.

- 

Last year's winner Numitor can land back-to-back victories on Challengers Series finals day at the Merseyside track.

Heather Main's 11-year-old took this Series Finale 12 months ago in fine style and arrives back on Merseyside in even better form.

He has won three Veterans' Middle Distance Handicap Chases in four starts since October. After victory at Wincanton on his return from his summer break in October, he landed a neck success over Joe Tizzard's Copperhead with his stablemate the reopposing Eldorado Allen - back in third at Cheltenham in December.

Having surprisingly being pulled up at Market Rasen in January a fast pace and sharp track were given as reasons by trainer Main he bounced back to form to score at Ascot last month. He had not won for nearly two years before his success at Haydock 12 months ago and although he will race off a 13lb higher mark than last year, everything appears in place for him to triumph again.

Another course and distance winner, Dubai Days, from the Nick Alexander stable, looks to be the chief danger to Numitor.

Duke Of Deception can win the JCB Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (3.50pm) ahead of stable-mate Good Work.

The eight-year-old who hails from the Cheshire stable of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero won this contest, formerly the Tim Molony Handicap Chase, 12 months ago. He hasn't won since and is 7lb higher in the handicap despite that.