NAP of the Day: Haydock hero can steer 17/2 shot to success

Haydock's Betfred-sponsored card on Saturday, comprised of seven races from 13:15-16:45, features a couple of classy Group 2 sprints - the Temple Stakes and Sandy Lane Stakes.

However, my NAP of the Day goes in the opener - the Betfred Silver Bowl Handicap.

There's few, if any, better than Richard Kingscote round Haydock.

The Derby-winning jockey has enjoyed more success than anyone at the Merseyside venue and it goes without saying that securing his services is a big positive.

I'm hoping that's proves true on Saturday when he rides David O'Meara's CERULEAN BAY in the mile-long, three-year-old handicap that opens the card.

The son of New Bay looked a juvenile going places after winning his first two starts in June and July last year, but he flopped when dead last in the G3 Solario Stakes at Sandown that September.

Perhaps it was a case of 'too much too soon', as he was subsequently gelded and not seen again for 236 days.

That reappearance was at Beverley last month and he finished fourth, beaten just over two lengths, off a mark of 86 in a seven-runner handicap. An adequate return under the circumstances.

His latest effort over course and distance was, as hoped, a good step forward. This time he was third, over two lengths clear of the rest of the field, in a classier contest.

What impressed me most was that he did all his best work in the final furlong. Another few strides and he'd have almost certainly been second.

A rise of two pounds for that is manageable and there's reason to believe that the softer ground and therefore more testing run-in will suit O'Meara's charge.

To my eye, he looks ready to put on a career-best performance and odds of 17/2 are generous in my book.

This selection is on the nose (to win), but I wouldn't put anyone off an each-way play with Betfred paying four places instead of three.