Horse Racing tips: Best bets for all 8 races at Haydock on Thursday

The Racing Post take us through today's card.

haydock races jun18

1pm – BELLATRIXSA

Although Good View is interesting on her debut for David O’Meara and Ethics Approval represents a stable going well, the selection is BELLATRIXSA, who shaped with plenty of promise last time behind an odds-on shot who has since run well in a good handicap. Selecto is of some interest in first-time blinkers, while Binyon is a consistent sort who has each-way claims.

1.30pm –  STALLONE

Viva Voce romped home at Redcar last time and commands major respect but he is up 9lb and won’t be much of a price. In the circumstances an each-way punt on STALLONE may be a better strategy. He seems to be returning to form, handles give and will get every yard of this 6f. Others to consider include Pontefract winner Dream Together, Rasheeq, Society Queen and Ugo Gregory, while Al Qahwa could figure at rewarding odds.

2pm – BARNEY’S BAY

This could develop into a duel between BARNEY’S BAY and Rich Dream. Both displayed considerable promise on debut but Tim Easterby’s colt is proven on soft ground and that factor earns him a narrow vote. Echo Beach may fare best of the rest. 

2.30pm – TACITLY (nap)

Cases can be made for quite a few of these but it is hard to get away from the claims of TACITLY (nap), who is up only 3lb for winning over C&D last time, handles cut and hails from a yard in flying form. Zip may be his biggest threat if first-time cheekpieces help him, while Soar Above is relatively unexposed on turf and could well be a player if handling underfoot conditions.

HaydockParkMay18a

3pm – DELTA’S ROYALTY

An interesting handicap in which some of the runners are very much unexposed. Those to fall into that category are Sir Charles Punch, Mark Of Gold and DELTA’S ROYALTY and preference is for the Roger Varian’s filly, who is lightly raced and makes her handicap debut in first-time cheekpieces. Her stable is in fine form too. Delph Crescent bounced back to form last time and could be a big threat under his penalty, while Pot Of Paint might show improvement after a gelding operation.

3.35pm – FRANCISCO BAY

 From the foot of the weights this may go to FRANCISCO BAY, who may be up in grade but has a nicely progressive profile. Arabist could still have better days ahead of him and he probably didn’t stay the 2m last time. He is next best. 

4.05pm – WIGHTMAN

This is competitive for the grade. Although WIGHTMAN was behind Mountain Rescue on his penultimate run, the selection appeared to take a sizeable step forward when a wide-margin winner back at Salisbury last week. He has no penalty and he has the scope to keep progressing, so Wightman may be the answer. Softer ground shouldn’t be an issue for Qasbaz and he’s feared most now stepping up to a mile, though cases can be made for most of these.

4.40pm – EVENING SPIRIT

The well-bred EVENING SPIRIT hasn’t progressed as hoped but stepping up in distance appeals as the right move and, judged on the dam’s side of her pedigree, this softer ground could also make a difference. Frozen Waters is respected on his Newmarket second and Kuwait Shield takes a sharp drop in class.

Haydock tips

1pm – BELLATRIXSA
1.30pm –  STALLONE
2pm – BARNEY’S BAY
2.30pm – TACITLY (nap)
3pm – DELTA’S ROYALTY
3.35pm – FRANCISCO BAY
4.05pm – WIGHTMAN
4.40pm – EVENING SPIRIT

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