To kick off the weekend, there are Listed races at both Haydock and Goodwood across six meetings in Britain and Ireland.
Joe Napier has our lucky 15 tips for Friday. His selections run in both Listed races and two handicaps.
Haydock Racing Tips (Friday 22 May)
The Listed Cecil Frail Stakes headlines Haydock’s card on Friday. We have a tip in that fillies’ contest, as well as one in handicap company.
2.55 Haydock – Rosy Affair (1pt win – 7/4)
The Ellen Chaloner Stakes at Newmarket looks easily the best guide to this Listed contest. It is worth taking the form on face value, especially at the prices, with Rosy Affair taken to come out on top. George Boughey’s filly was second in that contest behind the more established Flora Of Bermuda. She is narrowly favourite here, but only just ahead of William Haggas’ Sky Majesty. That rival’s yard are in great form, but there were more than three lengths behind the pair on the Rowley mile last time out. While Sky Majesty may not have been best positioned, it is a stretch to have them almost trading at identical prices in the rematch, especially as Magic Basma, at four times the odds here, also beat Sky Majesty. Rosy Affair was just as strong through the finish and another positive ride should suit at Haydock.
4.40 Haydock – Lavender Gold (1pt win – )
Things are set to click for Lavender Gold soon and it may well be on Friday. The son of Victor Ludorum was extremely green on debut at York last July. He caught the eye with his finishing application though, as he did again at Windsor next time out. A second at Ffos Las and third at Wolverhampton concluded his campaign thereafter. The latter was his handicap debut off this mark of 71. Over 1m½f, he finished off well when eventually getting racing room under Billy Loughnane. He still showed signs of greenness, but saw the trip out well and this 1m2f distance should suit even better. Having been gelded and had wins surgery since his last run, trainer David Menuisier is evidently looking for answers. A combination of factors may help him to find them in this race.
Goodwood Racing Tips (Friday 22 May)
There is also Listed action at Goodwood on Friday. We have a tip in the Festival Stakes, as well as one earlier on the card.
3.07 Goodwood – Bahadur (1pt win – 4/1)
Useful hurdler Give It To Me Oj may remain on a handy flat mark, but his stamina is less certain on the level. Conversely, Bahadur looks like 2m will be exactly what he wants. Sean Woods’ charge completed an all-weather hat-trick in the autumn. The surface may not have been the deciding factor rather than middle-to-long distance trips though. He had finished third on three occasions last summer on turf, all over 1m4f, before eventually getting off the mark over that trip at Kempton. He also won over 1m6f before rising up the ratings and being beaten on the polytrack on return in April. Improvement remains likely though, especially as he shaped with promise at Newmarket on return. That was back up to 1m6f and 2m could easily be within range. Just 2lb above his last winning mark, there is potential for him to strike again.
4.17 Goodwood – Haatem (1pt win – 11/4)
A winner over 7f at Goodwood as a juvenile, Haatem can remain unbeaten at the track. He was disappointing to conclude last season at Haydock when sixth of seven in Group 3 company. However, that is a rare blip on an otherwise consistent CV. He won the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot last June, a race which attracts a field much stronger than its level suggests. He was then a very solid third to Never So Brave in the Summer Mile. That form was subsequently franked and he looked more suited by 1m2f previously. Although only fifth on his return at Sandown last year, that was in a much stronger race than this. He has previously won when fresh and can do so again here.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Friday 22 May
2.55 Haydock – Rosy Affair (1pt win – 7/4)
3.07 Goodwood – Bahadur (1pt win – 4/1)
4.17 Goodwood – Haatem (1pt win – 11/4)
4.40 Haydock – Lavender Gold (1pt win – )
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Friday 22 May
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Haydock – first race 13:45
- Goodwood – first race 13:57
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Friday 22 May, which include selections at Haydock & Goodwood.
When were Thursday’s Lucky 15 tips for Haydock & Goodwood published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Friday 22 May were published at 3.52pm on Thursday 21 May.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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