1.15 Haydock – Magsood (Each Way)
This is a proper puzzle, but Magsood is an interesting runner on his handicap debut for Roger Varian. He was campaigned in novice company last year, but each time he raced, he seemed to hit the line hard, doing all his best work late on, particularly when he won at Beverley. There is plenty of pace on here, which will suit the son of Too Darn Hot, and if there is a pace collapse, I could see him picking up the pieces.
1.50 Haydock – Vadream (Win)
Vadream has been running well in defeat, and she just went down in a close second at Newmarket last time out. The key to her is soft ground, and she should get it with the rain that has been falling in the Northwest over the past few days. Sometimes when the ground eases at Haydock, it can be pay to have a high draw, so her Stall 8 looks to be a positive for her. I think she can be rewarded for her consistency here.
2.25 Haydock – Inisherin (Win)
Most Flat fans will be looking forward to seeing Van Deek here, but I think there could be a few things against him. First up is the lack of a recent run. In recent years, most of the winners in this race came here with at least one run under their belt, so that has to be a slight negative. Furthermore, Simon and Ed Crisford’s team have been a little bit quiet in the past fortnight, so that’s also a concern.
The one I like in this race is Inisherin for Kevin Ryan. Admittedly, Kevin Ryan’s team is a little quiet too, but this horse is interesting, dropping back to 6f. The three-year-old colt didn’t run badly when he finished sixth in the 2,000 Guineas, and Little Big Bear, who won this race last year, followed that route. Kevin Ryan has him entered in the July Cup at Newmarket, which suggests they think he could do well over sprint trips. With that in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him run a big race.
3.00 Haydock – Zip (Win)
Zip has been knocking on the door of late, and he ran a good race to finish second back in April. The eight-year-old grey is a specialist over the 7f trip, and he doesn’t mind a bit of cut. Furthermore, he is tactically versatile, and I can see him going from the front. If he does get an easy lead, he might be hard to catch.
3.30 Haydock – Nothing To Sea (Each Way)
Nothing To Sea could go on to big things this season for Ralph Beckett. Even though we’ve only seen him on a few occasions, his wins at Newbury and Sandown left a strong impression on me. The four-year-old gelding is making his seasonal return here off a mark of 97, but I think he could be better than that. His win at Sandown came on soft ground, so conditions shouldn’t be an issue. If there’s a group horse in a handicap, it could be him.
1.30 Goodwood – The Camden Colt (Each Way)
This race looks very competitive, but The Camden Colt looks like he could run another solid race. He’s not been disgraced in his last two starts, when he’s made the frame on both occasions at Newmarket. Both of those runs came over a mile, and this dropback in trip to 7f could suit. He’s a horse that often likes to be up with the pace, and he’s got a good low draw with Alec Voikhansky booked for the ride. If he can break well, I can see him outrunning his odds.
2.05 Goodwood – Francophone (Win)
I think cases can be made for a few, but I do think Francophone is solid. She ran a good race last week when she finished second in the Musidora Stakes at York. It is a quick turnaround, but the Johnstons are well-known for doing this. Her dam came into her own over these kinds of trips, and the drying ground should also be a plus.
2.45 York – Vintage Clarets (Each Way)
Vintage Clarets has been running well. The last time we saw him, he ran a good race, getting going late in the final furlong at Chester. Returning to York won’t be a problem for the five-year-old gelding, as he’s won over this course and distance before. Last week at the Dante meeting, being low on the sprint track was a positive, so his draw in Stall 2 looks ideal. I think he’s got a strong chance of being in the frame.
3.20 York – River Of Stars (Win)
River of Stars took a big step forward last season for Ralph Beckett, which included winning this race. This daughter of Sea The Stars comes out on top on official figures. She’s proven when fresh, so running her first time out won’t be an issue. With Ralph Beckett’s team in good form, I can see her defending her crown.
3.40 Curragh – Rossalion (Win)
I don’t think this is a great Irish 2,000 Guineas, but the one who stands out is Rossalion. His second in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket looks to be the strongest form on offer in the race. The key to him is ground, as he doesn’t want it too soft, so the good ground should be fine.
River Tiber is a good horse, but I think he’s more of a sprinter than a miler. Haatem is a consistent horse, and he could be the danger, but he looks held by Rossalion.
I hope you all enjoy the racing this weekend, and back a few winners. If you are having please remember to gamble responsibly.
