There is a good card at Haydock today and Restraint of Trade looks the standout choice in the one-mile maiden (14:30) that opens proceedings. The son of Authorized cost 100,000 guineas as a yearling and is out of a juvenile winner over this distance. The Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained colt couldn't have made a stronger impression when third to Pearl Castle in a maiden at Goodwood last month. He clearly needed the experience, but he showed plenty of ability, finishing strongly wide of the field after hanging left on the run-in. Considerable improvement can be expected from him and he should take all the beating.
Set The Trend, who is an established performer at this level, looks sure to go well in the 15:35. The six-year-old won a listed event at Goodwood and finished runner-up in the Group 2 Celebration Mile when with Andrew Balding last term. He hasn't been disgraced in three starts this term for his new stable and drops in class after finishing fourth in the Group 3 Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury last month. This is a rare start at seven furlongs, but his first two starts were over this trip, including his debut win.
At Salisbury today, Elusive Flame has excellent claims in the seven-furlong EBF Lochsong Fillies' Handicap at 15:45. The David Elsworth-trained three-year-old is one of a number of these that come here in good form courtesy of some strong recent efforts. Elusive Flame landed an all-the-way success in a handicap at Newmarket's July course last month, a race where the second, third and fifth have won since, and was only denied late on by Alice's Dancer off her revised mark last time. She can take this race named after Lochsong, a mare who was also owned by current Salisbury racecourse chairman Jeff Smith.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Restraint of Trade @ [2.34] in the 14:30 at Haydock
Back Set The Trend @ [3.95] in the 15:35 at Haydock
Back Elusive Flame @ [7.2] in the 15:45 at Salisbury
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