Haydock Park Preview – There’s a Starman About to Blitz the Turf
1.15pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETFAIR EXCHANGE ASCENDANT STAKES
Around fifth favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas, Hafit makes his second career start. Currently priced around the 25/1 mark for the first classic of the season, he’s an exciting prospect. Sold for 2.1 million Guineas’ as a yearling, he clearly has a tall reputation. He was green on debut and the horse he beat annihilated the opposition at Newmarket last weekend. With expected progression, he will be difficult to beat. Perhaps the one who will give him most to do is Triple Time. A beautifully bred son of Frankel, the penny really appeared to drop when he bolted up at the third attempt.
1.45pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETFAIR DOUBLE DAILY REWARDS SUPERIOR MILE STAKES
The loveable globetrotter and multiple Group 1 winner Lord Glitters is undeniably the one to beat here. Whether this small field will be ideal is the negative. However, the long home straight should help in that regard. My Oberon was disappointing behind Lord Glitters and Bell Rock at York last time. Connections’ reach for blinkers today and if they have a positive effect, he can give the favourite most to think about.
2.20pm HAYDOCK PARK – “MY ODDS BOOST” ON BETFAIR HANDICAP
A disappointing size field for this valuable contest. The Melrose winner Valley Forge looks the obvious one. He was authoritative in a vastly handicapped Melrose and this doesn’t look as strong. Contact remains unexposed over this sort of trip and could offer a shade of value against the favourite.
2.25pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETFAIR EXCHANGE OLD BOROUGH CUP HANDICAP
The Old Borough Cup is another race where you’d anticipate a slightly bigger field. Rhythmic Intent has struggled, on the whole, since bolting up at Newbury last August. Last time at York was much more encouraging and he can go close if building on that. Quick ground and 1m6f are optimal conditions for Hochfield and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him pop up again soon at a price.
3.30pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETFAIR SPRINT CUP STAKES
Starman looks to have outstanding claims. The ground was used an excuse last time but there didn’t appear to be much, if any, soft in the ground at Deauville. If he replicates his July Cup win then it’s hard to see him being beaten. For those looking for something at less prohibitive odds, then perhaps Happy Romance could hit the frame. She enjoyed a cracking two-year-old season and put up a career best last time at Newbury. That was her first start (except for her debut) on ground quicker than good. If she steps forward again, she doesn’t have to find too much to be competitive.
4.05pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETFAIR BE FRIENDLY HANDICAP
A wildly open race and a case can be made for all of these runners. Admirable old-timer and dual course winner, Jabbarockie, appeals at the prices. The booking of William Buick takes the eye and his form figures on good to firm ground read 123123.
5.15pm HAYDOCK PARK – BETTER ODDS ON BETFAIR EXCHANGE HANDICAP
The finale looks one of the most competitive races on the card. Star Shield has won and finished second (beaten half a length) on two starts at Haydock and he is fine on all types of ground. Gin Palace is starting to become extremely well handicapped and will likely pop up again soon.
Enjoy the racing and remember, as ever, please gamble responsibly.
