When the going gets tough, they say, the tough get going, and, with heavy ground expected at Haydock tomorrow, confirmed mudlarks will be in their element.

The gruelling conditions should hold no fears for nap selection Royal Flynn, who goes for the opening race and is a horse who has thrived during the recent wet spell.

Trained near Darlington by Michael Dods, the gelding gained his latest success at Beverley last Saturday when coming with his usual late run to sneak through on the rails.

Backers of Royal Flynn, who has to be held-up in the early stages, and who needs a strong gallop to produce his best, often endure a white-knuckle ride, hoping he gets a clear run through rivals.

Two outings ago at Newcastle, it didn't quite go according to plan, and he had to settle for third place. But prior to that he had scored over this course and distance in the hands of tomorrow's rider, smart apprentice Neil Brown.

The IG Index Football Furlong Handicap offers Royal Flynn another chance to shine on his favourite ground.

Dods can also lift the Extrabet Handicap with Distant Pleasure.

The three-year-old got off the mark in grand style at Redcar last month and looks open to further improvement. A follow-up could well be on the cards.

Tim Easterby has every chance of capturing the Sports Spread Betting With IG Index Handicap with Windjammer.

Troubled by sore shins for much of last season, Windjammer has really come into his own this year and his recent spirited effort to finish second at Newmarket confirmed him to be still on the upgrade.

Mick Easterby, Tim's uncle, can also figure on the Haydock scoresheet.

The evergreen Sheriff Hutton trainer saddles Top Dirham in the Bet To The 90th Minute Handicap and this popular gelding is selected to add to his recent Thirsk success.

Owned by York businessman Steve Hull, Top Dirham seems to go on any ground and, clearly in good heart, he should run a big race under regular rider, Dale Gibson.

Perth's jumping fixture is highlighted by the £12,000 totesport.com Handicap Chase over two miles and Lutea will be hard to beat.

Peter Monteith's charge ended last season with a flourish by completing a hat-trick of wins. With the excellent Timmy Murphy on board, the seven-year-old can pick up where he left off.

Nicky Richards seldom leaves Perth without a winner and the Cumbrian trainer has good prospects with several runners, not least Middleton Dene (3.10), Nae Bother At All (3.40), both recent winners, and the promising That'll Do Nicely (5.10).

Racing selections

Haydock: 2.20 Royal Flynn (NAP), 2.50 Windjammer, 3.20 Stamford Blue, 3.50 Distant Pleasure, 4.20 Top Dirham, 4.50 Digital.

Perth: 2.10 Jim The Gent, 2.40 Tickateal, 3.10 Middleton Dene, 3.40 Nae Bother At All, 4.10 Lutea, 4.40 Compton Eagle, 5.10 That'll Do Nicely.

Tomorrow's other meeting: Stratford.

Today's meetings: York, Ascot, Chester, Nottingham, Hamilton (evening), Salisbury (evening).