The race of the day on Saturday will surely be the Betfair Chase at Haydock where Imperial Commander (pictured) will make his seasonal reappearance. The race is worth £200,000.00 and will be run over 3 miles. Last year Imperial Commander just lost out to Kauto Star in a driving finish. The opposition this year is not as strong although Nacarat and What a Friend will find any weaknesses if Imperial Commander is not 100% fit. Nacarat was impressive when winning the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby but surprisingly stable jockey Sam Thomas has elected to ride What a Friend for Paul Nicholls. Nacarat should be spot on for this and provided the ground does not get too soft, could be the one to follow Imperial Commander home.

Down at Ascot, where they still do not give any admission concessions for us old buggers, Master Minded will make his seasonal debut in the Amlin 1965 Chase worth £50,000.00 and run over 2 miles 3 furlongs.

Also at Ascot Zaynar will make his reappearance in the race he won last year, the Coral Hurdle worth £90,000.00, also run over 2 miles 3 furlongs.