Kevin Stott’s Blog: Hoping to Wheel in a winner at Haydock

It’s been a good start to July with a few winners. I’ve a busy day on Saturday with five rides at Haydock, and I’m hoping that one or two of them can keep the winning streak going.

Haydock, Saturday

Imaginary World is first up on Saturday in the 2.05pm handicap. He’s stepping up in trip here from 1m4f last time, which I think will help get the best from him. Last time out at Beverley he was just denied the race over 1m4f as he is a bit one-paced but, having said that, he does keep finding for pressure.

This is a competitive race but it looks pretty open. He’s a horse who is progressing in the right way and wouldn’t be without a chance.

Wickywickywheels is next in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks (2.40pm). She was progressive last year and has been running in some better races lately. She’s been competitive in some of those, running respectably to get into the prize-money, but she’ll definitely have to improve to be in with a chance here.

She’s the outsider of the race, but I don’t expect her to finish last. She certainly enjoys passing horses and there isn’t a lot of pace here, so she could be an interesting one.

Third is Sir Rumi in the Old Newton Cup (3.15pm). Having had his last run in May, he’s been freshened up a bit for this. He’s had five runs this season so far, so a break will have been no bad thing.

The more rain the better for this horse, and – with a thunderstorm forecast ahead of racing – he could have his preferred conditions. He’s drawn wide, which isn’t perfect, and there’ll be a bit of hustle and bustle for the good positions, but he’s another who enjoys passing horses.

I think he will outrun his odds and should have a nice each-way chance.

My penultimate ride on Saturday is Flaccianello in the Nursery Handicap (3.50pm). These two-year-old handicaps are just starting, so it’s difficult to know at this stage whether or not the handicapper has got them right. At the moment, she’s got a mark that we are happy with at 81.

She was a nice winner on debut, running on nicely when green at Catterick, and Richard Fahey is convinced that she had a growth-spurt after that, which hindered her at Royal Ascot in the Albany. We’re pleased with her work at home and think she is a stronger filly now.

She’s a three-year-old type, so the more strength she can gain, the better. I think she could be competitive here.

Last of the day is Catch The Paddy at 5.00pm. I won on him last year at both Hamilton and York, so I know plenty about him. He was a progressive two-year-old who has every reason to improve this year too. His comeback run was very good, and the seven furlongs at Haydock should really suit him.

He’s normally quite sharp into stride, which is helpful for getting a good position, so I’m looking forward to getting back on him.

The only thing we don’t know is how he’ll cope with the ground if we do get lots of rain. As it stands, though, he should have a nice chance.