Horse Racing Tips: Duran to score for Nigel Tinkler at Haydock on Thursday

Flat racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Thursday, and it's responsible for four of the six meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening.

First off is Ffos Las over the jumps before they go at Haydock and Yarmouth; followed by evening jump racing at Limerick, and all-weather action at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton. Among our Thursday fancies is one who seeks revenge on a horse he finished second to late last month.

Horse Racing Odds

Today's Horse Races

15.47 Haydock - Duran @ 2/1

The feature at Haydock is a Class 3 sprint over five furlongs. A case can be made for a lot of these but the selection is Nigel Tinkler’s DURAN, who can build on two consecutive second-place finishes.

Tinkler’s four-year-old renews rivalry with Harry Charlton's Blue Day. The latter had the edge at Ascot late last month, but Duran now receives a 6lb pull for a one-and-a-half-length beating.

Duran will love the conditions, and if he can get a clearer run than last time out he has a great opportunity to make a long-awaited return to the winner's enclosure.

16.17 Haydock - Pearla @ 10/11

Wathnan Racing are no strangers to investing big and PERLA is no exception. The 425,000 gns purchase is by Sea the Stars and is a half-sister to multiple Group winner Place du Carrousel.

On her debut at Newmarket the William Haggas-trained three-year-old showed significant promise, staying on well after being headed and only beaten a head by the favourite. Notably, she finished ahead of the reopposing Silent Love, one of two Godolphin representatives trained by Charlie Appleby.

Perla is a promising young filly and this may be a stepping stone on to better things as she holds an entry for the Irish Oaks in July.

18.30 Wolverhampton -  Haku @ 7/2

The Mark Loughnane-trained HAKU has shown his best form at Wolverhampton, winning five times from eight starts at the venue.

Recent performances have fallen short of expectations, but he has been contesting higher-class races which have made life difficult. However, the decision to drop him back down in class and a return to a mile and a half can result in a better performance. He is rated 2lb lower than for his most recent success.

Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.