Free horse racing selections for Saturday December 30

Nap: West Of The Edge (2.00 Haydock)

Next Best: Fearsome (2.20 Lingfield)

West Of The Edge put up a gallant effort when runner-up in The Last Fling Handicap Chase at Haydock last December, and can go one better in Sunday's renewal of the near three-and-a-half-mile contest.

The 10-year-old heads back to Merseyside on the same mark as he had 12 months ago, when gamely going down by three and a half lengths to Emperor's Choice.

That was not his only creditable effort last term, because he backed it up in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in February where he was again second - this time beaten four lengths by Baywing over four miles.

Two runs this season should have put Dr Richard Newland's charge spot on for another crack at the Haydock feature.

Volcano can tower over his elders in the Happy Birthday Vernon Phillips Handicap Hurdle.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has acquired some useful prospects, via the same owner, from Christian Williams' yard - and four-year-old Volcano has his chance to announce himself as another here.

He was thought good enough for the Cheltenham Festival Champion Bumper on his stable debut in March, has put together three encouraging runs over hurdles on his return - and looks primed to strike over this trip in these testing conditions.

Hills Of Dubai can show the benefit of a highly-encouraging comeback run to win the Racing UK Handicap Chase.

Donald McCain's nine-year-old stuck on well to get within three-quarters of a length of Absolutely Dylan at this track four weeks ago, after an eight-month absence.

That will have blown away the cobwebs, and Hills Of Dubai should make no mistake this time.

Indefatigable could be the answer to the Listed Weatherbys General Stud Book Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Taunton.

The lightly-raced five-year-old had shown promise in her native Ireland when third to the classy Relegate in a bumper at Punchestown, before moving to Paul Webber's stable in Banbury.

It can take some time to acclimatise, and Indefatigable finally looked the part when romping home by 15 lengths at Uttoxeter five weeks ago. This is obviously a big step up, but she can take it in her stride.

Glance Back won at Bangor on his second start following a wind operation and can follow up in the Age UK Somerset Handicap Chase.

A 4lb rise for that success by a length and three-quarters over Lickpenny Larry looks fair - and the seven-year-old, trained by Emma-Jane Bishop, is worth supporting.

Fearsome struck over a mile and a half at Lingfield earlier this month, and can repeat the trick in the Betway Boost Handicap.

Nick Littmoden's dual-purpose performer has been put up only 2lb for his neck verdict over Give Him Time - but that margin of victory does not tell the full story.

The four-year-old was squeezed shortly after leaving the stalls, was short of room when beginning his challenge and had to be switched - but that did not stop him getting to the front before idling close home.

Fearsome's three previous races were over hurdles to keep him busy and interested in his job. He looks a good bet to win again.

Merhoob's last appearance at Lingfield in June 2016 was a winning one, and John Ryan's six-year-old can do it again in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap.

Not beaten far when fifth at Wolverhampton on his latest outing, Merhoob will be more at home at the Surrey venue.

Sporting Life tips:

HAYDOCK: 12.20 Saint Freule, 12.55 Scorpion Sid, 1.25 Not Normal, 2.00 WEST OF THE EDGE (NAP), 2.30 Volcano, 3.05 Hills Of Dubai, 3.35 Some Detail.

LINGFIELD: 11.30 Isaan Queen, 12.00 Merhoob, 12.30 Your Choice, 1.05 Dark Magic, 1.35 Charles Kingsley, 2.10 Zahirah, 2.40 Fearsome, 3.15 Pivotal Flame.

TAUNTON: 12.45 Friend Or Foe, 1.15 Romeo Brown, 1.50 Plantegenet, 2.20 Gwalia, 2.55 Indefatigable, 3.25 Glance Back, 3.55 Mere Anarchy.

DOUBLE: West Of The Edge and Fearsome.