Saturday, Haydock, 15:05, Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap Tip: Back Ashnak EW four places @ 9/110.00
Those with hooves for a friendlier terrain are beginning to look elsewhere, away from Merseyside, after Friday's news that Haydock was under a right old downpour. With ground heavy before the weekend, I suspect non-runners will keep coming.
The 15:05 Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup was a race I previewed in this week's antepost column, but my number one hombre Square Necker hasn't taken up the entry, so the de facto pick here is Ashnak.
Since joining David O'Meara from France, his five runs in the UK this term have failed to yield a victory, but with the summer sun endless, he hasn't had his ground.
It's telling his best effort of the season by far was a second at Ayr with cut in the going (good to soft, soft in places). And who did he finish second to that day? Square Necker.
Ashnak fared the best of the horses held up by far, and the finish speed of 115% over 1m5f wouldn't have suited.
He's got more of a test in terms of trip here and with the market quite warm to his chances too on Friday - he was into 9/110.00 from 12/113.00 - I am hoping he is good enough for at least a place and we have the four to play with too.
Back Ashnak in the 15:05 at Haydock EW four places
Saturday, Haydock, 17:25, Betting.Betfair Handicap Tip: Back Caim EW four places @ 15/28.50
Ed Bethell's Caim ran twice as a juvenile - winning on her debut in soft at Beverley and scoring with plenty in hand.
Clearly her fortune lies with deep ground as she subsequently finished second in a Listed Fillies' race at Newbury (the Radley Stakes), again in soft.
We're untested from that Newbury runner-up spot, as the winner for Karl Burke that day hasn't raced this term, although the fourth has won off a mark in the 80s and the fifth was 88 at the start of the campaign.
Caim has a very pronounced knee action so the heavy going should be suitable. While it was soft at York for her latest run, York form can be mystifying and I give her another chance down a couple of pounds and also down in class and grade.
The mile should suit too.
Back Caim in the 17:25 at Haydock EW four places
Back Saturday's Sportsbook double at Haydock EW