The ITV cameras are at three meetings on Saturday and the first of four live races at Haydock alone comes under orders at 2.20pm.
The ability to handle slow ground will be crucial as the going is soft and there’s more rain forecast. Fantasy Keeper with Ryan Moore booked will be popular.
However, I like Stoneyford Lane – who had a decent pipe-opener at York – to give us a good run for our money over this 6f trip.
The second race at the Lancashire track is the 2.55pm over the same distance. Northgate Lad was slow away at York last time, but if he gets out quicker, can be a player on this ground. David O’Meara’s Dandyleekie is another that will run well at a big price.
Trainer Roger Varian has a good record in the 1m 3f Pinnacle Stakes 3.30pm having won it twice and his Ajaman Princess looked right back to her best when winning a Goodwood Listed contest last time. Her form behind Even Song in the Grade One Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last year is strong.
Laganore is an intriguing runner for Irish trainer Tony Martin and could be the surprise package. Jamie Spencer is booked and she won well at Newmarket last year.
Gallop over to all the latest odds on PaddyPower.com
Haydock have saved the best until last with the Group 3 John of Gaunt Stakes at 4.05pm.
There’s a few familiar names running here and Growl can go close even if there’s a worry about him over this trip in the ground. Charlie Hills’ Jallota could be the surprise package.
Newmarket hosts two live races and recent impressive winner Juanito Chico tries to back up his Epsom victory in the 7f handicap at 2.30pm.
There’s lots in his favour but Marco Botti and Frankie Dettori could pull off an Italian job with Omran and punters will love that combo.
Also, keep an eye on the market for Richard Fahey’s Six Strings. He won a maiden at Newcastle last year and if the yard are backing him on his seasonal debut, I’d have an interest.
Hit the Frame
The 1m 6f staying handicap at 3.40pm sees recent winners Jaameh and Lord Yeats face off and the latter loved the ground when getting a freebie on the front at York. Lord Yeats could go close again, but the 8lb rise in the weights will be an anchor.
Southdown Lad never got competitive that day but I expect him to hit the frame here, especially if there’s some juice in the ground.
At Chester, the draw, as always, will play a big part in the 7f handicap at 3.10pm. The lightly-raced Khammary and Casmiro carry 100 per cent records into the contest. I loved how Roger Charlton’s Casmiro won last time but racing from stall 7 is a negative.
Ralph Beckett’s Subatomic is well drawn in box three and can step forward on what we saw at Leicester last time when fourth to On to Victory.
Good luck!