HAYDOCK Park is preparing for what could be its best day of jump racing in years on Saturday, January 20 -- weather permitting.

Some of the top prospects for the Cheltenham Festival are entered for three established trials at the racecourse.

General manager Adam Waterworth said: "While we won't know the runners precisely until they are declared on Friday, it already looks as if our racegoers are in for a feast of top-class racing."

Most valuable event of the day is the Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase. Last year's first and second, The Last Fling and Bobby Grant, the latter an entrant for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after victory in last month's Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock, are almost certain runners. The pair could be opposed by top Gold Cup hope Marlborough and Haydock Park's own horse Streamstown, who has won three races in a row.

Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase winner Kingsmark is likely to come down from Martin Todhunter's Cumbrian yard and past Peter Marsh Chase winner General Wolfe is set to come out of retirement after recovering from injury.

The Red Square and Red Alert Energising Champion Hurdle Trial has attracted entries from both sides of the Irish Sea.

Top Irish owner J. P. McManus is set to send over Youlneverwalkalone for the race in preference to the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. He's likely to face Sir Stanley Clarke's Barton, while Martin Pipe has entered Champion Hurdle contenders, Mr Cool and Seebald, the latter owned by footballers Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

The third big race of the day is the Tote Credit Club Premier Hurdle, a trial for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Anzum, the winner of the Festival race in 1999 and the current second favourite for this year's race, is a likely runner.

Irish trainer Mouse Morris may send over Boss Doyle, while Martin Pipe has entered top-class but enigmatic hurdler Deano's Beeno who won the corresponding race in 1999.

First race on Saturday is due off at 1pm.