14:25 Haydock - Sallaal stands out on Timeform ratings
Sallaal went the like best horse at the weights on his return in a handicap over a mile and a quarter at Epsom in April and absolutely bolted up under a more positive ride over the same course and distance at the Derby meeting.
It isn't often you see handicaps won in such a manner, turning an ultra-competitive affair into a rout as he stretched six and a half lengths clear, while only a handful of horses have record a higher Timeform rating in a handicap this century.
It was encouraging that Sallaal was able to follow up in a smaller field listed event at Sandown last time, not having to improve as such but he still had plenty in hand, in command in the final furlong. He's at least 6lb clear of his rivals on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings and he can now make his mark in pattern company.
Back Sallaal in the 14:25 Haydock
15:20 Ascot - Thunder Call remains one to follow
Thunder Call has returned a much improved model this year, landing good support when bolting up at Kempton on his return and he proved himself on a good mark when half a length too strong for Red Spells Danger on handicap debut at York.
That was a strong three-year-old handicap and he was far from disgraced at Newmarket last time, leaving the impression he wasn't best suited by the emphasis being so much on speed.
He still moved through that race like a horse who has more to offer and the switch to Ascot, which has a stiffer finish, should help him given he looks like he's ready for seven furlongs now. Thunder Call races off the same mark now and seems sure to launch another bold bid.
Back Thunder Call in the 15:20 Ascot
15:55 Ascot - Hoseki can complete four-timer
Hoseki has proved a different proposition upped to middle distances this year, opening her account in a maiden at Redcar on her return in May, and she wasn't hard pressed to follow up on handicap debut at Chester the following month.
She produced another career-best effort when completing a hat-trick over this course and distance last month, having no problem with the step up to a mile and a half, and displaying a fine attitude to lead near the line in a race which wasn't truly run.
Hoseki was given the Horse In Focus Flag for that performance and the feeling is she'll be seen to even better effect at this trip when having a proper pace to aim at. This race should be run at a strong pace and she can defy another 5lb rise.
Back Hoseki in the 15:55 Ascot