Jaysella’s & Caroline’s Saturday Selections for 4th April 2026
Jaysella’s Saturday Selections from Haydock Park & Caroline’s Fairyhouse & Cork Picks
Haydock Park
Pertemps Network Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle 2.12
Dance And Glance
These Pertemps Finals are always really competitive, but you know what, I’m gonna stick my neck out and tell you Dance And Glance is winning this. Back on better ground than when trying to stay up with the pace on heavy ground at Newbury Park last time out, this looks a bit easier than that Listed race and I reckon Anthony Honeyball’s gelding is still on a fair mark. Jonjo & AJ O’Neill’s We’re Red And Blue put in a bit of a career best in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last month, just finding the finish a bit stiff, so gets onto my list with Jack Jones’s Mr Mcloughlan a decent each way punt if that’s your thing. Yep, Sam Twiston-Davies is on Dance And Glance to foxtrot to the front and take the Two Mile Hurdle Final.
Pertemps Network Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle 2.46
Jakar Du Moulin
I was tempted to throw my lot in with December’s course and distance winner Super Survivor, but carrying top-weight in this hot final just made me a bit uneasy. Hope I’m not proved wrong, as Super Survivor does look a decent each way angle, but for the win, I’m going to go with Paul Nicholl’s Jakar Du Moulin. He’s been progressive enough this season, winning at Ascot and Doncaster, and with good to soft ground no worries, I’ll be expecting a big effort for the hat-trick under Harry Cobden. Dan Skelton’s Blue Carpet rates the big danger, for a yard that does place runners in handicaps well, and these are my three.
Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Series Final) 3.20
Guard Your Dreams
There’s plenty that could be winning this, but I’ve gotta stick my pin somewhere, so Guard Your Dreams it is. Let’s say he didn’t get too far in the Plate at Cheltenham last time out, brought down at the first, so I’m hoping he’s still in tune just three weeks later and primed for a big run. Toby McCain-Mitchell takes off 3lbs, so it all helps, and he’s got a bit of class about him having won the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2021. Not totally exposed after just 10 Chase starts, so Guard Yor Dreams appeals to me for this Veterans’ Final.
Fairyhouse
BOYLE Sports Mares Handicap Chase (Listed) 2.40
Bioluminescence
I’m thinking that Gavin Cromwell’s Bioluminescence can get back on the winning trail in this Mares Handicap Chase. This is a big drop in grade for her, and having chased home Dinoblue in the Opera Hat the last day, there’s some substance to that form with Dinoblue landing the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham last month. Kilbarry Saint has been topping the markets this week, but her win at Clonmel the last day was on soft ground, so although this is a sharper trip for Bioluminescence, I do think she’ll be right there when it matters at this level. May Call You Back is 4lbs out of this Handicap, but could figure, but Bioluminescence should be winning in this grade.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final (Listed) 4.25
Blow Wind Blow
I think that there is every chance that Blow Wind Blow can win this Listed contest. Now I’ve said that, I do like the form of Willie Mullins Fillyoureye, who followed home Zanoosh back in December, and won a Maiden at Punchestown the last day with plenty in hand. But Blow Wind Blow has just been edging favouritism in the markets this week, and I do think that’s justified. Gordon Elliott’s Tip Of The Wings would be third on my list, but I’ll stick with Blow Wind Blow for the win.
RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Listed) 5.00
Karbau
It does look like Karbau is the stable first string with Paul Townend aboard, though mark Walsh obviosly partners JP McManus’s Davy Crockett, and that is good enough for me. He was a close enough sixth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham the last day, but this does look to me an easier task, so Karbau gets my vote. Davy Crockett is on a featherweight mark, so can go close, while Murcia is one to note, but Karbau is the one.
Cork
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes (Listed) 4.02
Bucanero Fuerte (nap)
Well, with big race jockey David Egan coming over to take the ride, I think Bucanero Fuerte is going to be a hot favourite to win this. Last seen at Del Mar in the Breeders’ Cup meeting, Bucenero Fuerte goes well fresh and despite the wide draw, he’s got to be the one to beat for the up and coming Robson Aguiar. Paddy Twomey’s King Cuan was in the Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot back in October, so has to be respected and Navassa Island makes my three with Colin Keane booked. Bucanero Fuerte to show his class and win first time out for the fourth season running.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes (Fillies & Mares) (Listed) 5.12
Wemightakedlongway (nb)
Last seen seventh in the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot, Wemightakedlongway does look the class filly in this field. Whether she can win first time out is the big question, but with Ryan Moore taking the ride, I am sure Joseph O’Brien will have her ready to go. Paddy Twomey’s Elana Osario would be the one to pick up the pieces if Wemightakedlongway isn’t fully tuned up, but I’ll stick with Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore to do the business.
