The ITV cameras head to Lancashire for an action-packed day of Flat racing at Haydock Park for Temple Stakes Day, in which the sprinters take centre stage.
The seven race card is headlined by the Temple Stakes over five furlongs, a popular starting point for some of the top speedsters in training each season – especially those who aspire to top Royal Ascot odds for the sprints next month.
1.15pm – 1m Jack Berry House Hell Nook Handicap
Obviously No Retreat is weighted to the hilt based upon his results so far this season, and it will probably take a good one to beat him.
However all of those results were achieved in the Middle East, and a slightly damp afternoon at Haydock could well come as a culture shock to the four-year-old.
I therefore make EMPIRESTATEOFMIND the each-way play in our horse racing betting, based upon his previous results here and the predicted going on the day.
1.50pm – 1m Silver Bowl Handicap
Roger Varian’s TERROOM goes into handicap company for the very first time after achieving a nice double at both Bath and Thirsk.
Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum has enjoyed 5 winners from his last 13 runners in the last fortnight, including one here on Thursday, and both De Sousa and Varian will be keen to impress him on Saturday.
Danger: Triple Double A
2.25pm – 1m2½f Hedge Of Oak Stakes (Listed Race)
I’ve personally been following the exploits of FRANCOPHONE since I saw her run in York’s Musidora Stakes last May, and think she has a great each-way chance today.
She ran well at Nottingham and will definitely come on for the run.
Danger: Running Lion
3.00pm – 6f Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2)
Michael Appleby’s BIG MOJO is as genuine as they come and has yet to put a hoof wrong in any of his six starts to date.
On a rating of 108, he’ll be in the thick of things once more today.
Danger: Powerful Glory
3.30pm – 5f Temple Stakes (Group 2)
The Kevin Ryan-trained WASHINGTON HEIGHTS is a solid yard-stick in these five furlong sprints and he was in the process of running an absolute cracker in the Prix de l’Abbaye until being bumped at a crucial stage.
Local Wigan lad Tom Eaves rides Haydock well and I know his folks will be in attendance.
Danger: Vadream
4.10pm – 6f Edge Green Handicap
They called me up in Tennessee, they said, “Mully, stand by the jams” with our horse MU MU LAND on Saturday.
Julie Camacho’s three-year-old was gelded over the winter and looks poised to make a winning start on his handicap debut.
He’s quick and if he settles early, he should be there or thereabouts.
Danger: Maelstrom
4.40pm – 2m New Boston Handicap
You may recall me tipping up GIBSIDE for this column a fortnight ago, and I see no reason not to row in with him again this afternoon.
He gets in this 2m staying handicap off bottom weight, ran a stormer to win at 9/1 at Chester, and some of his opponents are hardly setting the racecourse alight.
Danger: Humble Spark
