The ITV Racing cameras may have their main focus on Ascot for the Shergar Cup, but three races will also be broadcast live from Haydock, which is where Joe Napier looks for some best bets.
2.25 Haydock – Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap
Three-year-olds have claimed the last four renewals of this contest, hence the shorter prices of both Kilt and Phoenix Passion. The former has powerful connections and is well-bred, but even though it was a strong novice event he contested last time, he would need to step up on his sixth-placed effort to defy a mark of 87 here. The latter, meanwhile, is on a five-timer, but only dead-heated last time and may want a greater distance to make even greater progress.
The other representative of the Classic generation is available at slightly healthier odds in OLD COCK, who could still be an improver from a rating of 83 for trainer Ed Bethell. He was on a hat-trick when completely blowing out at Pontefract at the start of July, but that was the first time he led or disputed the lead. Ultimately, that may have caused him to respond lazily to pressure, as he lost his position tamely.
He had taken a lead, or been ridden with restraint, when winning well at both Ayr and Haydock on quicker ground. The latter of those was over 1m2f, but he should still be at home on this trip on breeding, with his half-sister close to Listed quality over 1m. If freshened up from his below par effort, for which he was well-supported at odds-on, there could be juice in his price here.
York Ebor Meeting Ante-Post Tips – 16/1 and 33/1 Plays on the Knavesmire
York’s Ebor meeting is next in the calendar in terms of racing’s big festivals. Our in-house tipster Joe Napier has picked out two ante-post selections who are value for your bets at this stage. Yorkshire Oaks – Jackie Oh @ 16/1 It is rare that a Ballydoyle representative offers value, with their Group 1 winners…
Tue 06 Aug 20243.00 Haydock – Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3)
Seven runners makes this an awkward betting race, especially with an unknown quantity such as Anmaat in the race. He claimed the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan in France last time he raced, but that was 439 days ago, and though he has gone well fresh before, this is by far his longest break from racing. At the age of six, he has questions to answer off that layoff.
William Haggas runs two, but while Al Mubhir is the choice of Tom Marquand after his Listed success at Sandown, that form does not look great. Conversely, the runner-up effort recorded by MUJTABA in the Listed Festival Stakes at Goodwood in May has been boosted in a number of places.
The winner, Isle Of Jura, won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot next time out, defeating none other than King George winner Goliath, while third-placed Passion And Glory won a handicap off 105 subsequently. Mujtaba himself was down the field in the Hampton Court Stakes at Ascot, but his wide draw contributed to him being well back in a race which is very difficult to get involved in unless ridden prominently.
The resulting odds he is available at here are too big, as his best form definitely puts him in the mix for a top two finish.
4.45 Haydock – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dick Hern Stakes (Listed)
In contrasting fashion to the handicap opener, this Listed contest has proven beyond the three-year-olds since four won in succession between 2014-2017. They have had beaten favourites in three of the last six renewals, while only two of the younger generation have finished in the forecast since 2018.
That is enough history for favourite Indelible and the unexposed American Arrow to overcome in this company. There is a deep enough challenge from those aged four and upwards here anyway, with former Oaks third Caernarfon at the forefront, but she might want softer ground to be at her best over this distance.
Preference instead is for NAOMI LAPAGLIA, who ran a career best when third at Ascot in Group 3 company last time. The first two home led all the way that day, and she did the best of those running off the pace, a style which is more favourable at Haydock. In this seemingly weaker contest, she can go even closer with her form trending upwards.
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