A week after the Derby, racing is back with no less than nine races – yes that’s nine!!! – on the main ITV network from Beverley, Haydock and Newmarket. Strap in!
The 1.45pm at Haydock is a handicap over 1m 4f. ALHAAZM is still a maiden but should give us a good run. The Sir Michael Stoute runner is up in trip again after a fine second last time and the soft-ground conditions look ideal. Next up at Haydock is the 2.25pm, a Group 3 for fillies and mares over 1m 4f. Hard to oppose TRUE SELF here who is improving fast for Ireland’s champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins. Stays all day and won’t have any problem if more rain comes. Looks very hard to beat to me.
The 3.00pm at Haydock is a Listed event over 5f. DANZENO was a good winner at Nottingham the other day and is a very well-handicapped horse if back to his best form. Has been over 10lb higher than this in the ratings in the past and worth siding with for Mick Appleby.
The coverage at Haydock ends with a 7f Group 3 at 3.35pm. I’m going to take a complete chance here with TIP TWO WIN, who was once second to Saxon Warrior in the 2000 Guineas! He’s not as good as that run suggests, but he’s got a high ratings and will stay strong. First time out might be the time to catch him so will have a few quid each-way at tasty odds.
At Beverley ITV kicks off at 1.25pm, a handicap over an extended 7f. LOVE DREAMS is going to go to the front from stall three and might be hard to peg back for Mark Johnston. Everything looks right for a big run and he’s 5lb lower than last winning mark.
Next at Beverley is the 2.00pm, a fillies conditions stakes over 5f. Wide open event. I’ll chuck a few quid each-way on ROSE Of KILDARE who has a load of experience for Johnston and a fine draw to work from. Something could improve past her, but she should be bang there.
And finally at Beverley the 3.15pm is a conditions event for youngsters over 5f. OH PURPLE REIGN ran on really well to take second at Epsom last weekend for Richard Hannon. While he might prefer another furlong, he should be hard to beat.
At Newmarket the action starts at 2.10pm with a handicap over 7f. Tricky race. AWE probably didn’t quite get home over a mile last time so this drop to 7f should be ideal for William The 2.45pm, is a wide-open handicap over 1m 6f. I liked the way LISSITZKY did it over this trip last time and I’ll take a follow-up win for Andrew Balding. Seems to be getting better quickly.
So best of luck on a busy day and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
*Prices correct at time of publishing
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