Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I'm looking at the best of Saturday's action at Haydock.
The Saturdays between Epsom and Royal Ascot are typically of lower quality, and this year is no different. It’s rare to see Class 4 handicaps on ITV, but that’s exactly what we have today.
While the racing may not be on the top tier, we can't complain about the field sizes for the two Group 3 races on Saturday’s Haydock card. Let’s hope we avoid the mass withdrawals that plagued Friday evening’s card at the same track.
I’ve already previewed the ITV races for Victor Value subscribers, so here’s a quick look at the four races at Haydock.
Haydock
The ground has quickened up over the last couple of days and were set for quick ground at Haydock.
1:50 – Betfred Passionate About Sport Achilles Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f
Live In The Dream: Nunthorpe winner and runner-up in the Group 2 Temple Stakes over C&D 14 days ago. Prefers quicker ground and is favoured by the conditions of the race. He’s the one to beat and if you can get evens that’s a value be.
Democracy Dilemma: In good form, showed his speed when finishing ½ length runner-up in the Epsom Dash. Needs the favourite to underperform but could place.
2:25 – Betfred ‘Play Fred's £5 Million' Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f
Maghlaak: Won on return at Goodwood after a year off but disappointed in the Zetland Gold Cup. Blinkers on, first run beyond 1m 2f.
Divina Grace: Progressive 3-year-old, good seasonal return at Goodwood, suited to quick ground, the one to beat.
Struth: Off form this season but well-weighted on last year’s best. Could surprise if getting an uncontested lead. Stablemate Knightswood comes into the race in better form and has solid claims on a sound surface.
3:00 – Betfred Nifty 50 Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 4f
Sea Theme: Improving filly, won Listed Galtres Stakes at York last August, should progress as a 4-year-old. Respected on seasonal return.
Queen Of The Pride: Improved on seasonal reappearance, sounder surface suits, open to further improvement as a 4-year-old.
Caernarfon: Below par since last year’s Oaks third, poor recent run at York, but not dismissed if back to her 3-year-old best.
3:35 – Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3) – 7f
Noble Dynasty: Progressive at 7f, won three of last four, including at Newmarket last time. Worthy favourite.
Ramazan: Runner-up in Ayr Gold Cup and Victoria Cup, high on shortlist. Could get the fast pace he needs.
Tiber Flow: Hampered and fell at York last time, solid claims back at 7f if none the worse for that mishap.
Pogo: Not as good as he used to be, but recent neck second in Listed race over C&D. Can’t be ruled out.
Saturday Selection:
You can get 5/4 about Live In The Dream in the 1:50. He’s 4/6 on my tissue so anything above evens represents value.
Haydock
1:50 – Live In The Dream – Evens and above.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John