ONE of the main difficulties at this time of year is allowing for the changing ground. The ground at Haydock today, for example, is probably going to be faster than it has been at Haydock all season, even though there is some rain forecast.

Deep winter form has to be treated with a certain degree of circumspection at this time of year, and a proven ability to operate on goodish ground is a significant asset for any horse to carry into the spring.