Dan Cooper, Haydockâs clerk of the course, conceded earlier this week that the decision to water the track on Tuesday looks âquestionableâ in the light of subsequent significant rainfall, but there are unlikely to be any complaints from the connections of Vadream (1.50) ahead of the Group Two Temple Stakes there on Saturday.
Charlie Fellowesâs mare put up a useful performance to finish a length behind the three-year-old Seven Questions â who is also in Saturdayâs field â on good ground at Newmarket earlier this month, but she is ideally suited by plenty of cut.
The going ahead of Fridayâs meeting was soft, heavy in places and while top-rated Live In The Dream, last seasonâs Nunthorpe winner, has form on testing ground, it is not an ideal surface for his first outing since last yearâs Breedersâ Cup at Santa Anita.
Australiaâs Asfoora, who is prepping for the King Charles III (formerly Kingâs Stand) Stakes at Royal Ascot, is another fascinating runner but also coming off a break, and Vadream is a clear pick of the prices at around 5-1 to make the most of a heaven-sent opportunity.
Haydock Park 1.15: Volterra justified heavy support on his handicap debut at Newmarket earlier this month and a 9lb hike may not be enough to prevent a follow-up.
Goodwood 1.30: Odds of around 20-1 could well underestimate the chance of The Camden Colt, who should appreciate the drop back to seven furlongs, has Alec Voikhansky taking off 5lb and every chance of getting a decent position from stall one.
Goodwood 2.05: A quick turnaround for Francophone after her second place in the Musidora at York but that form gives her a narrow edge at this trip.
Haydock Park 2.25: Last yearâs top sprinting juvenile Vandeek will be a warm order to defend his unbeaten record but this is a tough first assignment and Inisherin, who led the 2,000 Guineas field to five out, will appreciate this drop back to six furlongs.
York 2.45: Lightly raced Rabaah ran his best race last year over six furlongs here and could benefit from the drop back to five.
Haydock Park 3.00: English Oak has plenty of scope for improvement and a repeat of his latest effort â from the same mark â could well be enough.
York 3.20: A repeat of last yearâs success on seasonal debut looks likely for Ralph Beckettâs consistent mare, River Of Stars.
Quick Guide
Greg Wood’s Saturday tips
Show
Haydock 1.15 Volterra 1.50 Vadream 2.25 Inisherin 3.00 English Oak 3.30 Divine Comedy (nb) 4.10 The Amazon 4.45 Corsican Caper
Goodwood 1.30 The Camden Colt (nap) 2.05 Francophone 2.35 Nightbird 3.10 Crescent Lake 3.45 Meydaan 4.20 Nini Star 4.55 Grandlad
York 1.35 Holkham Bay 2.10 Simmering 2.45 Rabaah 3.20 River Of Stars 3.55 Mr Irrelevant 4.30 Terrorise 5.05 Northcliff
Chester 1.45 Hiya Honey 2.20 King Of Angels 2.55 Dreams Adozen 3.35 Maso Bastie 4.05 Prince Of Zenda 4.40 Alfa Moonstone 5.15 Fouroneohfever
Cartmel 4.00 Santwopointfive 4.35 Sheâs A Saint 5.10 Fautinette 5.40 Tommie Beau 6.15 Salamanca Bay 6.50 OâFaolains Glory 7.20 My Gift To You
Salisbury 4.49 Lovestruck Romeo 5.20 Sub Thirteen 5.55 Northfield Lake 6.30 Harry Three 7.00 Hilltop 7.30 Enpassant 8.00 Nothing To Fear 8.30 Warranty
Windsor 5.35 Vince Lombardi 6.05 Afentiko 6.40 Ethandun 7.15 Navello 7.45 Tarjeeh 8.15 Thrilling Dream 8.45 Great Acclaim
Haydock Park 3.30: Ground, trip and Kaiya Fraserâs 5lb claim are all major positives for Divine Comedy.
The Curragh 3.40: Just eight runners go to post for the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Richard Hannonâs Rosallion, the 2,000 Guineas runner-up, looks a worthy favourite to confirm Newmarket superiority over his stable-companion, Haatem.
