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THE week before the Epsom Derby is traditionally one of the busiest Saturdays on the flat circuit with four big afternoon meetings full of competitive handicaps at Chester, Goodwood, Haydock and York, so it is important to sort the wheat from the chaff this afternoon.

The Merseyside track will be my first port of call and like all the meetings this weekend, good/fast ground will almost certainly be the order of the day.

The most fascinating runner at Haydock Park is going to be Little Big Bear in the Group Three Sandy Lane Stakes (3.00) following his demise in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. There was a viable excuse for that poor run, but back down to sprinting, he needs to bounce back big time here to secure his place in the Commonwealth Cup field at Royal Ascot.