Testing Ground At Haydock Haydock are expecting testing ground conditions on Saturday as they host the Peter Marsh Chase, for which a total of 12 have been entered at the five-day stage. Last year´s winner Lord Transcend is a possible for trainer Howard Johnson, while leading totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Kingscliff is an intended runner, according to Robert Alner. However, the ground is much more likely to suit the former, who ploughed through the mud to score by 10 lengths 12 months ago. Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: “The ground is currently heavy all over. “The forecast is for mild weather, with some rain in the early part of the week and drier spells later on. The ground is likely to be heavy for Saturday´s fixture.” Robert Walford, who missed the ride on Kingscliff in the King George due to a fractured collar bone, will resume the partnership this weekend. Walford last rode the nine-year-old when they claimed the scalps of Beef Or Salmon and Kicking King in the Betfair Million at the Merseyside venue in November. “Kingscliff is very well, has won around Haydock and does not mind the softer ground,” Alner told Racing UK. “Rob Walford is back in action so he will be riding him - the horse is fit and well so we are going to let him run.” ? PA Sport
