A good quality day with seven meetings across Britain and Ireland. We are going to focus on the north-west with a race from both Haydock and Cartmel. The going at Haydock is Firm and Good at Cartmel. Both courses have been watered.
One of the big factors at both courses this afternoon are the thunderstorms forecast to hit the region around the time of the opening races. It is hard to predict what effect any sudden intense rainfall will have on already dry ground and whether there will be safety concerns.
3.30 Haydock
6f Group 2 sprint worth over £50,000 to the winner.
Harry Angel is far from straightforward and has proved difficult in the stalls. Can pull hard during the race. However he possesses a great deal of natural ability.
The form of his latest second at Ascot sets a high standard, a reproduction of which will make him very difficult to beat.
If he does regress from that run, Second Thought could take advantage.
I provisionally go:
Harry Angel 4/5
Second Thought 5/1
5.05 Cartmel
As ever, there will be a large bank holiday crowd at this unique track.
There are various doubts concerning all five runners.
Fantasy King had a ‘blow out’ on the flat a couple of weeks ago and figures on a favourable handicap mark.
He can prove best of James Moffatt’s 3 runners.
3/1 favourite on my provisional tissue, which is in line with the early prices on offer.
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