Haydock Saturday:
1.15 Betfred Supports
Jack Berry House Hell Nook
Handicap 1m 37y
Great Chieftain did well under the circumstances to win at Newmarket on Guineas weekend, confirming he is still on an upward curve and I don’t think a 6lb rise in the weights will stop him if in the same mood.
He raced in the centre group at Newmarket and didn’t get such a good tow into the contest as a few others, but still produced a strong finishing burst to win with something to spare.
That race has already thrown up a couple of subsequent winners to underline the solidity of the form, and the son of Gleneagles is well drawn here to continue his winning run.
1.50 Betfred Silver Bowl
Handicap 1m 37y
In what could be a good half hour or so for leading owners Jim and Fitri Hay, their colours are again taken to the fore by a last-time-out Newmarket winner.
Fort George is the selection despite being drawn wider than ideal in stall 10. Ed Walker’s charge improved on his juvenile form when winning on handicap debut at HQ three weeks ago.
In beating Molveno by a length last time, he was showing himself to be well treated and it’s worth bearing in mind that all three qualifying runs last year came on the all-weather, and he already looks a better horse on turf.
Fourth that day was Best Rate, who was beaten just a nose in a competitive handicap at York last week, and the form looks decent for the level.
Fort George impressed with the turn of foot he showed at Newmarket and still appears to be ahead of the handicapper, if likely to need a little luck in running to repeat those tactics.
2.25 Betfred ‘Nifty 50’
British EBF Hedge Of Oak Stakes (Listed) 1m 2f 100y
This is effectively a new contest, replacing a race called the Rothesay Stakes which was run under similar auspices at Ayr.
Running Lion is the pick on her best form but isn’t that easy to predict these days and her very best efforts in recent times have come at a mile, as when winning the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot last June.
She does stay this trip, of course, but looks vulnerable at present having disappointed in the Dahlia Stakes on her return having been second in the same contest in 2024.
Diamond Rain could be the answer. She won her first two starts before flopping when fancied for the Ribblesdale and got back on track when a close fourth to Estrange in the Gillies’ Fillies Stakes at Doncaster in the autumn.
She is the type to progress again this year and the daughter of Dancing Rain comes from a stable in excellent form this term.
3.00 Betfred Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2) 6f
Symbol Of Honour marked himself down as a high-class sprinter when landing the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury last week and can complete a quickfire double.
He has no race to suit him at Royal Ascot with Charlie Appleby feeling he won’t stay seven furlongs in the Jersey and his status as a gelding ruling him out of the Commonwealth Cup, so it makes sense for connections to strike while the iron’s hot.
In beating Ides of March last week, he showed himself much better than listed class and can take this upgrade in his stride.
3.30 Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2) 5f
High numbers can prove best in sprints here when the going is soft but there isn’t a great deal of rain forecast before racing today. That suggests there will be no such bias and I would argue that those racing in the centre of the track may be advantaged.
Rumstar has shown his best recent form at five furlongs, looking better then ever when winning the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket, where he had She’s Quality, Washington Heights and Twilight Calls back in second, fourth and fifth.
He ought to confirm that form if the heavy rain predicted doesn’t materialise. Washington Heights would be dangerous if able to blaze a trail on the stands side, but he’s arguably best at six furlongs and Rumstar looks the most reliable option.
Goodwood Saturday:
1.30 BetGoodwin Harroways Handicap 7f
Bob Mali was underwhelming at Chester last time out, but the fact he started at 6/5 for a competitive handicap there tells its own story.
It’s worth siding with him to confirm the immense promise of his previous second to Double Rush at Newmarket, with that form already franked by third-placed Invictus Gold, winner of a hotly contested handicap on 2000 Guineas day.
I rate Double Rush very highly, so am happy to be forgiving, as not every horse handles Chester. Bob Mali is unproven at seven furlongs but has hinted on a couple of occasions that he would be suited by the trip.
He had testing ground as an excuse when well beaten in the Horris Hill at Newbury last backend on his only try at the distance.
3.15 BetGoodwin Height Of Fashion Stakes (Listed) 1m 1f 197y
Rhapsody is worth chancing for William Haggas, with her comeback effort at Kempton something she is expected to build markedly on. She made quite a big impression when winning a mile maiden in October, beating Jowddah and Zanzoun on yielding ground, with the placed pair both winning their next starts.
She failed to improve on that when sixth of seven behind Glittering Surf at Kempton, but will be better suited by the longer trip as well as the return to turf with some ease in it, and is the sort to progress as the season does.
Her sire was a late developer and most of his better offspring improve for time and distance. She appeals as a long-term prospect at this trip and perhaps a little further.
Recommended
Great Chieftain 1.15 Haydock – 1pt win @ 7/2 (general)
Fort George 1.50 Haydock – 1pt win @ 9/1 (general)
Symbol of Honour 3.00 Haydock – 1pt win @ 3/1 (general)
Rumstar 3.30 Haydock – 1pt win @ 7/2 (general)
Bob Mali 1.30 Goodwood – 1pt win @ 12/1 (general)