A good day of racing awaits us today at Haydock and although
I haven't been in the best of form this week I'd be hopeful I could at least
get one in today. I haven't had any big fancies this week but my tips should
have run better than they have.
However,
if WELL FUNDED goes in in the first
race at Haydock then my weekly loss will be wiped out immediately. I'm a big
fan of James Bethell's filly and think she could prove progressive throughout
the year. She improved the best part of 20lbs last year and similar improvement
this term wouldn't come as a surprise to me. Being by Camelot she was always
going to be a strong stayer but she travels so well in her races she proves
effective over shorter trips as she showed at Pontefract last time. She looked to
be playing some part in a tight finish until the lack of a recent run told in
the closing stages, but the form is still strong and that's worth remembering.
There will be a lot of race previews stating she may have ground concerts but I
do think that is a myth as she has won or run well on good to firm ground
before. The step up in trip should suit and I expect a run for our money at a
decent price.
I think
ALTHIQA was slightly flattered by
the winning margin last time as her main rival ran with the choke out for the
first part of the race but I was still mightily impressed with her performance.
Visually she really impressed me as she showed a good turn of foot and I do
trust my eye. This speed track should play to her strengths and although there
are higher rated rivals in here, I'm not too sure just how good they are as
some are rated so highly based on their two year old form. At 7/2 she looks a
fair price given her unexposed profile.
I
followed DREAMWEAVER last year and
it proved fruitful. Ed Walker's horse is a really progressive handicapper and
hails from a family who get better with age so rates a fairly strong fancy in
the finale at Haydock. A recent pipe opener at Kempton would have blown away
any cobwebs and the forecast good ground shouldn't pose any problems. Oisin
Murphy is booked and the stable continues in good form so there are plenty in
his favour.
Haydock 12.45 – Well Funded – 0.5pts e/w
Haydock 3.15 – Althiqa – 1pt win
Haydock 5.20 – Dreamweaver – 2pt win
