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Karl Hedley's racing tips: Saturday at Haydock

HAYDOCK

2-00 BETFRED.COM SUPERIOR MILE (GROUP 3) – 1 MILE

Balty Boys has run some excellent races this season and he fully deserves to get his head in front. He was runner up in this race last year behind the re-opposing Captain Cat, but that rival looks to have lost his way of late and Brian Ellison’s charge can reverse that form. Silvestre De Sousa has partnered him once before and they finished fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot. He will seek to conjure a bit of improvement from his mount and they command utmost respect.

Ivawood was mixing it with the likes of Gleaneagles on his first run this year when he was placed in the 2000 Guineas. Since then he has looked a pale imitation of his former self and it is of little surprise to see him take a drop down in class here. If the ground continues to dry out his chances would increase and he looks the biggest danger to the selection. Sovereign Debt will enjoy these conditions but has never won outside of listed company. Chris Hayes is an eye-catching jockey booking for the six-year-old and they too are capable of making the frame.

Balty Boys was beaten only a head by Heaven’s Guest at Ascot last time over seven furlongs. This return will suit and he should be capable of going very close this afternoon.

2-35 BETFRED MOBILE OLD BOROUGH CUP (HANDICAP) – 1 M 6 F

Awaywiththegreys looks a massive price in this handicap given that he popped up at a hefty price at the track last season. He is a talented dual purpose performer who has stamina in abundance having won competitive three mile hurdle races at Chepstow in the past. He had a prep run for this at that same track just last month where he was only beaten two and a half lengths by a far younger rival that he was giving over a stone in weight to. This time around he is the one taking advantage of the weight concessions and with him only being lightly raced this year, it could prove an excellent piece of placement by trainer Peter Bowen, especially if the rains come.

Gabrial’s Star returned to somewhere near his best at Chester last time when just touched off by his stablemate Gabrial’s King. He should be able to confirm form with Blue Wave given that conditions are more likely to suit him this time around. The Fahey yard remains in rude health and he heads the opposition. High Secret is likely to prove popular given that he has an improving profile and won a decent looking race at Killarney last time out over two miles and a furlong. This is his stiffest opposition to date though and his price just looks a little skinny in the market at this stage given that he may not appreciate such a dramatic drop back in dristance. Pressure Point was doing all of his best work in the closing stages at Musselburgh last time and appeals more than the Sir Mark Prescott trained market leader.

Awaywiththegreys has the assistance of Oisin Murphy in the saddle this afternoon and given that most of their rivals have mostly endured a long hard season, they could prove decent value in this stamina sapping contest.

3-45 BETFRED SPRINT CUP (GROUP 1) – 6 FURLONGS

Adaay proved that he stays a little further than this by winning the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury under similar conditions last time. He was held up off the early pace before making a decisive move two furlongs from home. He comfortably saw off the attentions of Breton Rock and Cable Bay amongst others and those two rivals have come and to run well subsequently. William Haggas has certainly hit his best form of the year in recent weeks and with Paul Hanagan knowing the selection inside out, the duo may well prove good enough.

Gordon Lord Byron ought to be well suited by the conditions. Proven at this level in races around the world, Tom Hogan is likely to have him in top order for this. He was far from disgraced on firm ground at the Curragh last time and having won this race two seasons ago he will make a bold bid to reclaim his crown. Having laughed in the face of his opposition including in a very competitive Stewards Cup, Magical Memory takes a big step up in grade. This is altogether a different class of rival and with Frankie Dettori choosing Danzeno over the Charlie Hills runner, this may prove a bridge too far. Watchable ran a creditable race in France last time and could well sneak a place at decent odds.

Adaay bids to cement the recent good record that up and coming three year olds have in this particular race. Being a previous course and distance winner ought to stand him in good stead and he looks sure to run a massive race.