Horse Racing tips: Timeform’s 3 best bets at Haydock on Friday

18:25 Haydock – Trueshan (NAP)

TRUESHAN made tremendous progress as a three-year-old, winning four of his five starts and showing very smart form to win a minor event at Newbury on the last occasion.

Off the track for eight months afterwards, he shaped as if needing the run when fourth in a Listed contest at Newmarket last time, just keeping on at the one pace to be beaten three and a quarter lengths behind Dashing Willoughby (who won a Group 2 on his next start).

Admittedly, this test is likely to prove at the bottom end of Trueshan’s trip requirements as the season progresses, but he has the best form on offer and is likely to take plenty of beating if back to that level with his reappearance behind him.

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17:55 Haydock – Harmonious (Next Best)

HARMONIOUS showed much-improved form when third on his turf/handicap debut at this venue last month, keeping on well to be beaten just half a length.

That was just his third start, and it was no surprise that he was capable of taking such a big step forward given his pedigree and the promise he had already shown, looking very much the type to go on improving as his stamina is drawn out further.

He gets that opportunity here, stepping up another two furlongs in trip, and a 5lb higher mark may not be enough to prevent him from opening his account under champion jockey Oisin Murphy.

20:25 Haydock – Star of Valour (Each-Way)

STAR OF VALOUR showed the benefit of his reappearance and shaped well when third in a big-field handicap at Doncaster last time, possibly making his effort earlier than ideal in a race that was run into a strong headwind.

That was a step back in the right direction for one who had looked one to follow previously, notably recording a pair of wins on the all-weather at Wolverhampton at the backend of 2019.

He is only 6lb higher than when winning easily on the last occasion, and the balance of his form suggests he has the form to be a big player here, with the forecast slow surface also no problem for one who is proven on heavy ground.

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