13:50 Haydock

Leg 1 Selections: Light Infantry, Chindit

A couple of solid and consistent performers make the shortlist in the opener. LIGHT INFANTRY has placed six times at Group 1 level, including the last three times, and will get a required strong pace to aim at in this easier race compared to the races he has normally competed in. He should prove hard to beat. CHINDIT has a solid record outside of Group 1 races though and is the obvious alternative choice. 

14:25 Haydock

Leg 2 Selections: Naqeeb, Denmark 

NAQEEB has a monster pedigree being related to multiple Group 1 winners and was very impressive at Kempton last-time-out. He had previously gone close behind Middle Earth at Newmarket when a nose second and with every chance he will improve again now faced with a longer trip, he can maintain his progress with a win. DENMARK also chased home Middle Earth when last seen and is the back-up choice as cover. 

15:00 Haydock

Leg 3 Selections: Aztec Empire, La Pulga, Caius Chorister

AZTEC EMPIRE didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs at York last time but still managed to finish a close-up second and should be competitive again from only a three pound higher mark. LA PULGA is of interest at a big price. His latest figures aren’t a true reflection of his capabilities and he could feature at a big price with Joe Fanning reunited, which is a positive sign. CAIUS CHORISTER was badly hampered in the Ebor last time but ran well to take sixth and the booking of Jamie Spencer catches the eye. 

15:35 Haydock

Leg 4 Selections: Swingalong, Shaquille 

I really like the chances of SWINGALONG at a big price, who has taken her form to a new level this season and is interestingly the choice of Clifford Lee who has opted to ride her instead of Spycatcher. She ran a great race from the front when third in the Commonwealth Cup before scoring at York last time. This is a deeper race but she should outrun her odds. SHAQUILLE is unbeaten in six over this trip and this dual Group 1 winner is the one they all have to beat. 

16:10 Haydock

Leg 5 Selections: Raasel, Arecibo

RAASEL is still winless this term but posted a very good third in the King George Stakes at Goodwood last-time-out and is down in grade back in handicap company. His last visit here saw him finish third in a Listed event, a race he won a year earlier. That is strong form in the context of this race and he must be considered. Of the remainder, ARECIBO has historical Group-placed form at this course and was a good third at Newcastle last time, so he should also be thereabouts. 

16:45 Haydock

Leg 6 Selections: Macduff, Remaadd

MACDUFF never looked like being beaten when he found his feet on debut at Newmarket, hitting the line in good style. He is up in grade but will have a lot more to come and Ralph Beckett could have a seriously smart prospect on his hands. I also like REMAADD who won with a fair amount in hand at Goodwood recently and is sure to improve. I can’t split the pair mentioned, so both are on the list.