Saturday
A good day of racing in store for what is looking like a very wet Saturday afternoon for almost all of us. I will be at Haydock, sheltering for cover most likely, where I am envisaging a very good day for Dan Skelton. It’s hard to be too confident on what is going to happen with regards to the forecast rain but I am working on the assumption it’s going to be soft/heavy ground. This shouldn’t inconvenience COUNTRY MILE in the opener who has been keeping a fair bit up his sleeve on his first two starts. He won on hurdle debut up at Ayr in what was a slowly run race but showed plenty of class at the back of the last to get up cosily in the end. The bare form and time of the race is questionable obviously but I thought he had plenty left and may be suited to running in a better race at a stronger pace. Saracen Beau narrowly missed out on the vote after he ran a much quicker time at Ayr on similar going but if he drifts to a double figure price then I would advise an each way play on him too.
My best bet of the day has to be CATCH HIM DERRY in a race which I think Dan Skelton could easily have the 1-2 and maybe even the 1-2-3. The selection and Doyen Quest head the market at present and it’s clear to see why but Gwennie May Boy may also feature if fully tuned up but he arguably doesn’t look as well handicapped as the other two. I’ve gone with Catch Him Derry due to his form on very soft ground and how easily he won last time out at Newton Abbot. I also don’t have any doubts about his stamina whereas I do still wonder how well Doyen Quest will truly stay 3m on soft ground up a long home straight. At 6/1 he looks the bet.
Haydock 12.08 – Country Mile
Haydock 2.30 – Catch Him Derry
