It is surely a measure of the high esteem in which Carl Llewellyn holds Baron Windrush that the jockey has opted to travel to Haydock to ride him in the big race there.

He has rejected the ride on his recent Wetherby winner Ollie Magern, who runs in a £100,000 race at Lingfield.

Baron Windrush goes for the £125,000 Red Square Vodka Gold Cup. Trained, as is Ollie Magern, by Nigel Twiston-Davies, Baron Windrush was an impressive winner of a Grade 2 handicap race at Warwick on his latest start.

After being ridden with more restraint than in the past, he powered home clear of D'Argent and Double Honour.

The handicapper has raised him 10lb for that success, but the extra weight may not be enough to anchor him. Control Man and Royal Emperor may be the two to follow him home.

Lincolnshire trainer Chris Bealby has a high opinion of Eskimo Pie, who bids to earn himself a crack at the Cheltenham Festival by landing Haydock's first race, the Brit Insurance Prestige Novices' Hurdle.

Twice a winner this season, including once at Haydock, Eskimo Pie is a progressive performer, capable of making a bold bid in this Grade 2 event. The Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham beckons if he lives up to expectations and he is awarded my Nap vote.

At Lingfield, all eyes will be on Iris's Gift in the £100,000 totesport Chase. Not only will the gelding be Jonjo O'Neill's first runner of the year, following an untimely virus in his yard, but the champion staying hurdler will also be tackling fences for the first time.

Entered in next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup, he will need to win tomorrow to justify a place in that line-up. That is a tough task on his reappearance, especially coming from a yard which has been under such a heavy cloud.

In the circumstances, Ollie Magern can contribute to a memorable afternoon for trainer Nigel Twiston Davies, who is also represented, of course, by Baron Windrush at Haydock.

The mount on Ollie Magern goes to conditional rider Antony Evans, who will grasp the opportunity of winning such a prestigious race with both hands.

Tomorrow's Tips:

Haydock

TV races: 1.25 Eskimo Pie (Nap), 1.55 Hirvine, 2.25 Baron Windrush.

Lingfield

TV races: 1.10 Red Georgie, 1.40 Le Passing, 2.10 Ollie Magern.

Wincanton

TV races: 2.05 Almaydan, 2.35 Polar Scout, 3.05 Inglis Drever, 3.35 Colonel Frank, 4.05 Reveillez.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton.

Updated: 11:45 Friday, February 18, 2005