Scorpion Sid to strike back after blunder

– Scorpion Sid can make up today for an early departure last time out with victory in the Bravo Inns Chase at Haydock.

Jamie Snowden has always thought a fair bit of the lightlyraced seven-year-old since he bolted up on his racecourse debut.

Still far from the finished article, Scorpion Sid was not quite up to it when Snowden tested his mettle early this season against Kalashnikov at Warwick – but he then made no mistake next time at Haydock.

While only two finished that day, it worked well as a confidence booster – but he was an early casualty in a competitive little handicap last time out at this same track.

Sent off favourite, a blunder at the third fence gave his jockey no chance.

Snowden is happy to return to Haydock again today though, and a clear run should make him the one to beat.

It will be a while until Emma Lavelle comes down from cloud nine after the last few days.

She, of course, won the Stayers' Hurdle with Paisley Park undoubtedly the best horse she has ever trained - and then took a valuable race at Uttoxeter on Saturday with De Rasher Counter.

Her Viva Vittoria has some way to go before reaching those heights, but this five-year-old mare is on the right path at least. Second at Plumpton and Warwick before winning at Market Rasen last time out, she stayed on strongly to prevail over 4000m.

She needed every single metre of that trip, so it is no surprise to see her over an extra 400m on this occasion, and the extra distance can help her negate a 2kg rise.

Emerald Chieftan can get back to winning ways for Rebecca Menzies and owner Craig Buckingham in the Mansionbet Novices' Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

A seven-length winner two starts back at Sedgefield over hurdles, he could do no better than third at Southwell last time out over fences.

That was only his third run over the bigger obstacles, however, and a bit of an increase in trip also looks likely to suit - because he was a little one-paced most recently.

Uno Valoroso ran well enough last time out to suggest he will be involved in the Mansionbet Handicap Chase.

Now 11, Mark Walford's charge had been given a little respite by the handicapper - and he ran on into fourth at Carlisle over 3200m.

Given the stiffness of the Cumbrian venue, it seems a wise move to step him up in trip on a sharper track.- Press Association To take a bet Go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.bettingworld.co.za