Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Haydock.
Grey Dawning finished second in this race last year and ended the previous campaign as runner-up in the Bowl Chase at Aintree. He is yet to reappear this season, but at eight years old he remains a more appealing option than the dual Betfair Chase winner, Royale Pagaille. Since last year's triumph, Royale Pagaille has neither won a race nor completed the Grand National and has not been seen on the track since his break.
Handstands was a beaten favourite in a Listed race at Carlisle on 2 November. He was narrowly denied by Resplendent Grey, who he had previously beaten in a Grade 2 Novices' Chase last December. The youngest in the line-up, he may still be working his way back to peak form.
Irish raider Stellar Story has one success over three miles to his name. He went close in a Grade 2 Novice Chase in February, losing by only a neck to his stablemate and the favourite, Better Days Ahead. This race will be far from straightforward for him.
Haiti Couleurs won the National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham and then the Irish Grand National. He returned in November with a victory in a handicap hurdle. This looks an ideal opportunity for him to add a first Grade 1 success to his record, and he is our pick to win the race.
