The Tommy Whittle Chase is the feature handicap over an extended 3m 1f at Haydock on Saturday, 18 December (2:40). It’s forecast heavy ground for the field of 16 runners in this year’s renewal. Testing conditions means stamina has a part to play in the contest. See which horses SportsLens experts fancy with their Tommy Whittle Chase tips below.
Race fitness is vital. All recent Tommy Whittle Chase winners came to Merseyside off the back of at least one run. Horses aged six or eight have a fabulous record with all but two from those age groups successful from 2005 onwards.