Haydock’s three-day Sprint Cup meeting begins on Thursday, with seven races taking place from 14:00 to 17:10.
We’ve got a couple of tips for the card – including a Ralph Beckett-trained juvenile who’s taken to get off the mark after two promising efforts in defeat.
15:30 – L’Ennemi @ 5/2
The Ralph Beckett yard is still going great guns, and the Hampshire-based handler can fire in yet another winner at Haydock on Thursday courtesy of L’Ennemi in this novice contest over a mile.
The two-year-old son of Siyouni showed ability on his racecourse introduction at Newbury in July before taking a huge step forward when finishing runner-up to the 88-rated Magsood at Beverley a month later.
That’s strong form – a clear standout of the three runners in this field of eight that boast prior experience – and, as I said, represents significant improvement from his debut.
Some of the newcomers have to be feared and any substantial support for them should be taken seriously, but with track, trip and ground all likely to suit, the selection can progress again and get off the mark.
16:40 – Royal Mila @ 5/4
I wouldn’t rush to put you off any of the top four in the betting for this 0-95 fillies’ handicap over 1m2f, but I can’t shake the thought that Haydock looks the perfect track for William Haggas’ Royal Mila.
She’s unbeaten in two starts, backing up a debut win in a decent race at Goodwood in late May with a comfortable, penalised success at Windsor a few weeks later.
As short as 1/4 that day, you could argue she was ‘workmanlike’, but she only got going late on round a sharp track with several twists and turns. Haydock and it’s galloping, long straight should be right up her street.
Providing the three-year-old daughter of Nathaniel is raring to go after an 80-day break, I’m expecting a bold bid off a mark of 87.
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