Saturday 23rd November
By SP2A Analysis
Haydock 1.15 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 2 miles 3 furlongs - 15 run - Soft (could easily be Heavy by the off)
I hope all 15 stand their ground as I think a couple stand out and Sean is VERY keen on and Irish Raider.
I'm happy to take on Harry Fry's Bat The Bat on seasonal and handicap debut in these deteriorating conditions, Josh The Boss was very impressive at Chepstow but looked trained to the day and a 7lbs penalty won't make this a gimmie. Anyharmasking will be winning races soon enough for jonjo, I just don't think conditions and the current mark and weight here will facilitate that today. It's hard to know what ability remains with Dans Le vent after one return run off an extended break, but if anywhere near 2022 form this one is seriously well handicapped so one to keep a close eye on.
I'm very keen on PUNTA DEL ESTE a Course and Distance winner off 121 and a Distance winner off a mark of 128, these long straights clearly suit this galloper as do the conditions and having had a run I think a mark of 134 won't stop him. FINE CASTING runs best fresh and returns off a 203 day break, if he gets second wind, and he's likely to be restrained and given every chance here, then this Course and Distance winner off a mark of 123 on soft, looks incredibly well handicapped off a mark of 119 with a good 5lbs Claimer booked.
Sean is keen on a follow win for last years winner PARK ANNONCIADE who won off a mark of 114 last time and who travelled strongly through the race, it didn't really follow that up but returns and will be undoubtedly trained for this race off a mark of 116 with a 5lbs Claimer also booked. (The Advisor / Sean)
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Haydock 2.30 Handicap Hurdle - Class 1 - 3 miles 1/2 furlong - 16 run - Soft ~ heavy
The Skelton trained favourite Doyen Quest is out of the race. That leaves The likes of Catch Him Derry, who Harry Skelton may switch to ride, one Big Bang who takes a marked step up in Class after some impressive form and Push The Button at the top of the market and although feared, I'm happy to take them on.
Of the Irish contenders, Michael thinks that Ottizzini and Jody Ted would have to run career bests to win here off their marks and that the Cliff Byrnes trained Shoot First may not be suited by the likely deluge. He is very keen though on the Emmet Mullins trained BACKMEORSACKME who looks trained for the race and from the Yard who won this race last year. He is the preferred and tipped Irish contender.
The Imposter is around 40/1 but has won 9 of it's last 10 races so you can't completely rule it out, Kerryhill is also a very exciting prospect and I will TRACK this one forwards as I think it'll need this and not likely to be flogged round in the mud if needing the race.
My shortlist is 3 horses and the third rated GWEENIE MAY BOY another progressive Skelton horse is put up as my reserve.
I'm VERY keen though on both TWIG who really is the class horse of the race despite top weight, stamina laden, won't mind a slog and one who has had a run and I think the early price of around 33/1 is crazy quite frankly. I was impressed with the way PATRIOTIK travelled over an inadequate trip at Chepstow in the Silver Trophy and this nice 3 mile P2P recruit should be really suited by Course and Distance and I'm not really concerned about the Going either (Robin / Michael)
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