Through The Card: Haydock, Friday 4 September

14:10 - After racking up a hat-trick of victories over hurdles, LIGHTLY SQUEEZE (1) was in the process of running a cracking race from 17 lb higher when departing at the last in the Betfair Hurdle in February, still in a share of the lead and looking sure to play a part in the finish. He progressed rapidly over the smaller obstacles and may have been let in lightly on his return to the level.

14:45 - SERIES OF DREAMS (8) was much improved from her debut effort when runner-up in a Yarmouth novice last time, still demonstrating signs of inexperience but her and the winner deserving of extra credit for coming from off the pace. She remains open to further progression and is the one they all have to beat.

15:20 - BIELSA (1), who failed in his bid for a four-timer in the Portland, quickly put that effort behind him to take his tally to four wins from five runs on his final appearance of last season. He disappointed in the Wokingham on his return, but took a step back in the right direction when fifth in a good quality race over this course and distance last time. He has been shaping as though he is still building up fitness, and with two runs now under his belt, he looks worth siding with in a less-competitive handicap.

15:50 - SHEPHERDS WAY (7) showed much improved form to get off the mark for Julie Camacho's yard over this course and distance last time, seemingly suited by the return to a well-run five furlong race, forging clear after quickening into the lead over a furlong out. She is well bred, low mileage for this stable and is certainly one to keep on the right side.

16:25 - MIZAAJ (4) makes plenty of appeal on pedigree ahead of her debut - a New Approach filly whose brother, the useful Sawwaah, won first time out - and she gets the vote to open her account at the first time of asking. MERE GREEN (3) finished fifth in the listed Rose Bowl Stakes and eighth in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes, and with this drop in grade surely more suitable, so she also makes the shortlist.

16:55 - DANIELSFLYER (8) turned in easily his best effort of the season when runner-up at Beverley last month, beaten only by one coming from the back. He has come down a long way in the weights, and though he is up 3 lb for his latest exploits, he looks ready to end his long losing run.

17:25 - DARK LOCHNAGAR (3) was progressing towards the end of last season and shaped as though retaining all of that ability when fourth on his reappearance at Ayr in June. He hasn't quite been able to recapture the pick of his 2019 form yet this term, but he did produce a much more encouraging effort last time, and with first time blinkers applied, he is likely to play a big part in proceedings now dropped in grade.