Win and Tonic for Dan

BACKERS of GET A TONIC (2.25, nap) will have plenty to cheer if she lands the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock today.

Aimed at the race by Dan Skelton, the stamina-laden Getaway mare bumped into Maries Rock before her Grade One double and she has a handy mark of 133.

That race is a nice pipe-opener ahead of the day’s biggest event – the Grade One Betfair Chase

And A PLUS TARD (3.00) can get top marks on his seasonal return.

Henry de Bromhead’s favourite was the most impressive Cheltenham Gold Cup winner since the days of Kauto Star – and he kicks off on familiar turf.

A year ago, Cheveley Park Stud’s top jumper made his rivals look second tier.

Further clear of the latest line-up on the ratings, Protektorat has a huge task to overturn the 17-and-a-half length deficit from the 2022 Festival.

On an exciting afternoon,

CONSTITUTION HILL (2.40) has an easy task in Ascot’s Grade Two Coral Hurdle – if the ground permits him to run.

Favourite for the Champion Hurdle, Nicky Henderson’s star was in a different league to his fellow novices last season.

Gold Cup hope L’Homme Presse is also on the Berkshire card in the Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase.

But this could be the time to take him on, as connections believe he needs the outing and Venetia Williams has not had a winner from her last 38 runners. SAINT CALVADOS (2.05), 3lb inferior to L’Homme Presse, gives that amount away – but will be raring to go and Paul Nicholls’ charge has a good record when fresh. The Ditcheat handler can turn over another big name in the Jim Barry Wines Hurst Park Handicap Chase (3.15).

Edwardstone faces THYME WHITE, an easy scorer over course and distance recently – and a 7lb rise can be negotiated.

Back at Haydock, HOUSTON TEXAS gets the vote in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (3.35), while HITMAN can continue his stable’s excellent record in the Get Daily Rewards With Betfair Graduation Chase (1.50).