Unseasonal (supposedly) downpours have transformed summer racing into a mudfest, masses of non-runners and quirky results making for a need for some careful plotting.
We remain committed to a strategy of backing horses turned out quickly after good runs, but will tailor that for obvious soft ground preferences, and that takes up to Haydock.
The first time I went to Haydock was a Saturday afternoon in September many moons ago. Living in the midlands of England at the time, and fancying an afternoon racing, the decision was a long drive to either Haydock or Ascot. I had been to Ascot many times so decided to shun its quality card and break my duck at Haydock, and a few winners later it seemed like a good call. That was until realising the results at Ascot and that I was missing one of the most memorable days racing in history….Frankie’s Magnificent Seven. I still feel Haydock owes me something…
Indian Chief (1350 BST), won well on soft ground at Beverley, before going down by a neck last week on soft at Haydock. Miles clear of the third that day, he can kick start a treble under the excellent Danny Tudhope.
The middle leg is the most speculative. Lexington Sky (1450) had shown only one glimmer of form (2nd on soft at Bath last year) before running out a good winner at Nottingham on heavy ground on Tuesday night. This is a better race, and a quick enough reappearance, but he is at least sure to handle conditions.
Rounding off the trio, Danish Duke (1520), heads here having made all on softened ground at Thirsk last week. He won back to back races inside a week on soft ground last summer, and is confidently expected to repeat the dose here.
Recommendation: Indian Chief (1350 Haydock), c2/1, Lexington Sky (1450 Haydock), c5/1 & Danish Duke (1520 Haydock), c6/5, 1pt win treble, approx. 38/1
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