A bit of a quieter week on the horse racing front with the highlight being a Betfred sponsored card at Haydock featuring a pair of Group 3 contests. We also have some informative juvenile contests at Beverley where William Buick will be the star attraction as well racing on the Roodee at Chester, Catterick and the traditional Bank Holiday fixture (although that’s different his year) at Cartmel. There are also a few tasty pots up for grabs at Chelmsford.
2.40 BEVERLEY – PERCY’S LAD
PERCY’S LAD has been a revelation in his two starts for Daniel and Clare Kubler, making all and not seeing another rival to win mile handicaps at Yarmouth and Nottingham by a combined nine lengths. He has gone up another 6lb for his latest success, but the stiff seven furlongs here should suit his front running style, the only slight concern is other pace in the race from I’m A Gambler.
The selection is still lightly enough raced to be improving and could easily be a 100+ horse. Connections have also booked William Buick early this week suggesting they expect to go close. He was also entered at Chester this weekend and is in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.
Wobwobwob ran nicely at York last time and is a horse who has plenty of ability, he could be a danger as could Rising Star if she puts her best foot forward but has been too keen in her last two starts.
2.55 HAYDOCK – NOON STAR
Sea La Rosa was very impressive when quickening clear to win at Lingfield back in October, but the market leaders failed to perform there and her previous turf form leaves her with a bit to find, despite the form of her stable.
It could be time for NOON STAR to start living up to her illustrious pedigree over this 1m 4f trip. She finished fifth when running over it in last year's Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot but she was keen there and had a wide trip. She ran well in the circumstances and although disappointing at York a fortnight ago, I am inclined to forgive her that off a slow pace when she was again keen. Another positive is the man onboard.
Nobody rides Haydock better than Richard Kingscote and he was also in the plate for NOON STAR’s novice win and second to Snowfall in last year's Musidora, so gets on well with her. Her mum was a dual Group 1 winner at this trip and she could still have plenty to offer on just her eighth start.
3.30 HAYDOCK - KINROSS
KINROSS ran some solid races at Group 1 level last year after landing this prize. He followed up in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood before a fair fifth in the G1 Maurice De Gheest and fourth in the G1 Foret. These seven furlongs contests are his bag and will have welcomed the rain that fell at the track on Thursday. James Doyle gets on him for the first time with Frankie Dettori claimed to ride Sunray Major.
I am a big fan of Laneqash who landed us a decent each way return at Newbury last summer but didn’t build on that subsequently. He could be best caught fresh and looks overpriced at around 7/1 to at least hit the frame.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
