We kick off proceedings with a competitive two-mile handicap from Haydock (13:35) and the one to keep on side looks to be Glenard. He improved in handicaps last year, including when scooping a valuable prize at this track over a mile-and-a-half last August. He's show a good deal of promise on both starts this term too, finishing a respectable sixth on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton before he wasn't beaten far into fifth in the Chester Cup last time. He shaped particularly well on that occasion, travelling with zest for much of the contest and if he turns up in the same form here then he should run extremely well. He remains well-handicapped on his current mark of 92 and is expected to use it to his advantage at the expense of today's rivals.
We head south to Goodwood for the next contest under consideration, a listed event over a mile-and-a half (14:20) and although it's a small field it looks a competitive renewal. Gatewood has undergone something of a revival since returning to the care of John Gosden and got back to winning ways at Ascot last time in some style. He beat Pether's Moon by half-a-length last time and although he was in receipt of 3 lb, he was always doing enough. They meet off level weights this afternoon but the selection won with something in hand last time and he's expected to confirm the form and continue his renaissance, for all that he's always been a proven performer at this level.
We return to Haydock for our final bet of the day, which comes in the fiercely competitive Silver Bowl Stakes (15:45). It seems likely this handicap over a mile will form the final leg of the £15 million Scoop6 so presuming there are still tickets alive at this stage, the one who looks to have the best chance is Zarwaan. His maiden win over six-furlong at this track in July last year has worked out well and there was a huge amount to like about his reappearance at Newbury last month. He shaped in the manner of a horse who was significantly ahead of his mark when second in the Free Handicap and given that the third, fifth and seventh from that contest have all gone out and won subsequently it looks strong form. He looks to hold strong claims and should run well at the very least, although there are plenty who merit consideration.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Glenard in the 13:35 at Haydock
Back Gatewood in the 14:20 at Goodwood
Back Zarwaan in the 15:45 at Haydock
