UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

KNOWSLEY ROAD returned from a 121-day break, after undergoing wind surgery, to win by a neck in a class 3 event at Taunton last month. Paul Nicholls' seven-year-old is only 4lb higher for that triumph and, with Harry Cobden back on board, he looks an appealing proposition. Zain Nights is a real improver to watch out for after he completed a double at Cheltenham, while Harbour Lake and Judicial Law are just two others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Knowsley Road 2nd Zain Nights 3rd Harbour Lake

WINTERFAIR pulled way too hard when finishing third at Lingfield last month, but it was by no means a disappointing effort and she makes her handicap bow. The daughter of Kitten's Joy returns to turf and could be well treated off an opening mark of 78. Sunny Street was sent off favourite for his handicap debut at Southwell last time and he was denied by a head. He ought to remain competitive off a 2lb higher mark, while Cheshire Dancer makes some appeal too.
Prediction : 1st Winterfair 2nd Sunny Street 3rd Cheshire Dancer

Wreck It Ryley (second) had Beauty Choice (third) behind him in a class 5 event at Catterick last month and he can confirm his superiority over that rival. However, they could be playing a supporting role behind ZOZIMUS, who just reached the frame in a stronger contest than this at Newmarket last week and he goes off an unchanged mark. David O'Meara's six-year-old looks the one to beat, while Magical Merlin and Liangel Hope are noted too.
Prediction : 1st Zozimus 2nd Wreck It Ryley 3rd Magical Merlin

BALLEE fared best of those who raced up with the pace when finishing an excellent second over an extended 2m at Aintree last month and, nudged up just 2lb, this habitual prominent racer may take some pegging back. Lark In The Mornin was last seen scoring cosily in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and he is feared most, though four-year-olds boast just one win from 23 attempts in this contest since 2001. The improving Tintintin is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Ballee 2nd Lark In The Mornin 3rd Tintintin

SHARTASH was making his first start for this stable when comprehensively beating some useful rivals over 7f at Thirsk last month, and he gets the vote to bring up the double. A Group 2 winner over 7f, Witch Hunter rates as the main danger to the selection, but if adopting his usual patient tactics he may prove a hostage to fortune in this small field. Poet Master has earned a crack at a race of this nature after a couple of handicap victories and he merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Shartash 2nd Witch Hunter 3rd Poet Master

French Ship improved on his Kempton debut when filling the runner-up spot at Taunton last month and is respected. Letterston Lily was pitched in at the deep end on her debut, finishing down the field in a Grade 2 at Aintree, so these calmer waters should help. There is plenty to like about the chances of Nicky Henderson's newcomer Doctor Midas, but a chance is taken on EL BATTLE BUS. The Flat-bred son of Australia should not lack for stamina and might have the tactical speed should this turn into a sprint.
Prediction : 1st El Battle Bus 2nd French Ship 3rd Letterston Lily

Well supported ahead of his handicap debut over 1m here a fortnight ago, MINSTREL KNIGHT couldn't reel in the leaders. He gets a step up in trip, though, which should suit, and off an unchanged mark he could shed the maiden tag. Cambria Legend occupied the runner-up berth at Yarmouth last time out and must be taken seriously, along with Yippee, who can find improvement now switched to turf.
Prediction : 1st Minstrel Knight 2nd Cambria Legend 3rd Yippee