Architect has five betting tips for Day 3 of the Sprint Cup Festival at Haydock.
13:15 Haydock
HOLLOWAY BOY (best price 7/2) turned in another creditable handicapping performance when third in the Clipper Handicap last time out and could be about to strike for the first time since his debut.
He is 2lb worse off at the weights with Cicero’s Gift based on his half-length second to the latter, but the ground will be different this time, and I can see him turning the tables under these favourable conditions.
Karl Burke’s team is absolutely flying, and William Buick is booked to ride. With plenty of positives regarding his chances, he’s given one more chance to finally get his head in front that he rightfully deserves.
14:25 Haydock
If Not Now, 0.5 pts E/W, 16/1, 4 places
The Old Borough Cup has a really competitive look to it, with plenty to consider, but IF NOT NOW (best price 16/1) would have decent claims if able to rediscover the form of his penultimate third-place finish at Lingfield.
He was well beaten at Epsom last time out, but I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt as he may not have handled the course. With his stable in good form and being 3lb lower than his Lingfield effort, he could go very well.
15:00 Haydock
Looking For Lynda, 0.5 pts E/W, 7/1
I’m really strong on the chances of bottom-weight LOOKING FOR LYNDA (best price 7/1), who is back on the same mark as when scoring at York around this time last year and is taken to go close under the guidance of Harrison Shaw.
Karl Burke’s charge four-year-old has made the frame seven times since, including last time out when a close-up third behind Jm Jungle. His early tactical speed, good draw, and handicap mark should see him extremely competitive.
16:07 Haydock
Stark Warning, 0.5 pts E/W, 8/1
The Listed Ascendant Stakes should prove informative for future reference, and the one who stands out to me is Ralph Beckett’s STARK WARNING (best price 8/1), having made a sparkling debut at Ffos Las last month.
This son of Ulysses looked very professional in winning that race, travelling with purpose before quickening away from his rivals to score by nearly three lengths. With plenty more to come, he can take down this quality field.
17:15 Haydock
Al Rufaa, 0.5 pts E/W, 8/1, 4 places
Having marginally been defeated in both of his last couple of starts on the all-weather off this mark, AL RUFAA (best price 8/1) should be difficult to beat if able to translate the form back on the turf.
The seven-year-old was rated in the 100s a few years ago and is only 2lb higher than when he scored at Wolverhampton last year. He’s down in grade and remains very well-treated, so he makes plenty of appeal.
