Our tipster Karl Hedley provides the odds for the weekend’s races…
SATURDAY
HAYDOCK
2-20 BETFRED GOALS GALORE HANDICAP – 1 M 2 F 95 YDS
Elhaame was unfortunate not to make the frame on his most recent start at Royal Ascot. He was checked in his run and had to settle for sixth place behind Arab Spring in the Duke Of Edinburgh stakes.
It is possible that a mile and a half stretches his stamina, so it is of note that he is eased back to a trip that he is proven over. He does have to reverse form with the likes of Salutation and Lahaag, but he is much better at the weights with those rivals and he comes here relatively fresh.
Busatto is the preferred ride of Joe Fanning despite finishing behind re-opposing stablemate Salutation last time. That decision has to be respected and off a low weight he is likely to prove the biggest danger to the selection. He has yet to win at a level as high as this but his effort at Goodwood last time was decent and he commands respect.
Rye House has shown nothing this season and looks best avoided whilst Llanarmon Lad will do well to defy a career high mark. Elhaame is well worth another go back at this trip and his jockey Andrea Atzeni will be keen to atone for that defeat last time.
2-55 BETFRED ROSE OF LANCASTER STAKES (GROUP 3) – 1 M 2F 95 YDS
Educate ran a mighty race when finishing fourth in the John Smith’s Cup at York last month. He attempted to give weight away all around and ran a race filled with promise. Sennockian Star and Red Avenger were well and truly put in their place by Educate in that event and both have come out to win good handicaps since, so the form looks solid.
Hillstar’s form behind Cavalryman received a timely boost when that rival went on to win the Goodwood Cup just last week. If turning in a similar effort here he has to go very close. Sir Michael Stoute won this back in 2011 and he will be in confident mood of repeating the feat here.
True Story is not proven beyond nine furlongs and that is an obvious concern despite the presence of Kieren Fallon whilst Vancouverite should improve for his first run in the UK and he too can make the frame. Educate wouldn’t mind a bit of ease in the ground and he has to be of interest over his favourite trip.
NEWMARKET
3-35 GERMAN THROUGHBRED .COM SWEET SOLERA STAKES (FILLIES GROUP 3) – 7 FURLONGS
Winter’s Moon won readily on debut over this course and distance when partnered by Harry Bentley last month. The form of the race is working out well as both the second (Shagah) and third (Stroll Patrol) have come out to win next time. Godolphin has maintained a stranglehold on this race for the past five years with Saeed bin Suroor being responsible for three of those wins. This is a race that the trainer clearly targets and she looks the one to beat.
Alonsoa is two from two for Henry Candy and saw off the re-opposing Pack Together at Sandown last time. Despite being hampered at the start, she produced a swift turn of foot to win going away. There is no obvious reason as to why that form should be reversed on the same terms.
Arabian Queen carries a five pound penalty for landing a soft looking Group 2 at this track and it remains to be seen if she can see out another furlong. Winter’s Moon now has the assistance of Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle and the combination can go extremely well here.
HAYDOCK
4-35 BETFRED DUKE OF LANCASTER’S OWN YEOMANRY HANDICAP – 1 MILE
Elsiniaar landed his maiden over this course and distance last month and although it was only a six runner affair, the runner up Taqneen has come out to win a race since. This is his first step into handicap company and this late maturing four year old may not have that much improvement to find in order to see off his veteran opponents. Roger Varian has a near thirty percent strike rate at his local track and he can enhance it further with this son of New Approach.
Cornrow has not been seen in almost a year but he did win his last two races for John Gosden. He beat some fairly talented sorts on that last appearance including the likes of subsequent winners in Angelic Upstart and Sir Mike. If able to defy the absence he looks to be the main danger.
Multi Bene is another that is proven over this course and distance. He has a useful five pound claimer on board and he too can make the frame. Elsiniaar should have more to offer though and his experience at this track can see him through.
SATURDAY 2-20 HAYDOCK | ELHAAME |
SATURDAY 2-55 HAYDOCK | EDUCATE |
SATURDAY 3-35 NEWMARKET | WINTER’S MOON |
SATURDAY 4-35 HAYDOCK | ELSINIAAR |