15:45 Haydock

Only 5 runners heading to post for this but it looks a decent race. I’m going to chance DUE FOR LUCK getting back to winning ways. He won his first two starts and didn’t do much wrong missing by just a head in his hat-trick bid at Chester last time.

The fourth Midnight Lir has franked the form since winning well at Hamilton. I don’t think he was ideally suited by Chester and just got going too late. With another few yards he would have got up so he is clearly still progressing well. Curious Rover was a smooth winner at Catterick and then went down less than a length at Hamilton coming back at the line so looks the danger in this. Hedge Fund is on a hat-trick but a 7lb rise definitely asks more of him and this is a much better race too.

14:00 Haydock

I thought FASCINATING LIPS caught the eye at Goodwood last time and granted a clearer run when coming through here he can get back to winning ways. He has been dropped another 2lb and is clearly looking well handicapped again. Connections have reached for first-time headgear too and it is no surprise to see him trading at the top of the market. He remains lightly raced for his age and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t go close.

The danger is likely Kells but he spurned a good opportunity at Hamilton last week and I have my reservations after that performance. Dogged could be a bigger danger as while he could only finish fifth last time that form has been franked since with Sameem and Restorer winning since.

Crack Shot - 1pt