AS THE lead-up to Cheltenham begins in earnest, so the number of trials flies by the wayside. But Haydock Park and Ascot both offer final flings in several categories for the biggest of national hunt events on Saturday afternoon.

At the Merseyside venue, WINDSOR AVENUE will be hoping to get back on track in the Grade Two Novices’ Chase at 1.30 after blowing out behind Sam Spinner at Doncaster last time out. However, there were legitimate excuses for that run and Brain Ellison is sure that he has his star pupil back to his best. I fancy he will take care of his three rivals here before a possible tilt at a championship race.

Just 35 minutes later, EDWARDSTONE will put his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle credentials up for grabs in the Grade Two Rossington Main Hurdle. His two victories at Wincanton and Aintree have both been cemented by those behind him and there will be some long faces in the Alan King yard if this classy son of Kayf Tara cannot beat the admittedly talented duo of Thebannerkingrebel and the prolific Snookered.