UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

Skipper got off the mark at the fourth attempt at Chelmsford and is entitled to respect on his handicap debut. That said, he hasn't faced conditions of a testing nature yet and the vote, as a result, goes to DASHING DARCEY. A winner over C&D in June, he makes his first appearance since the Britannia later that month and appears capable of taking another step forward. Whiskey Pete and Rhoscolyn appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Dashing Darcey 2nd Skipper 3rd Whiskey Pete

This may be the opportunity that CALYXOH has been waiting for in his attempt to gain a first career success. Jane Chapple-Hyam's youngster has been consistent so far in his career and the application of a hood for the first time might help to make the difference. Driftspin is likely to appreciate the extra furlong and is respected along with newcomer Mersea Island, who boasts a staying pedigree.
Prediction : 1st Calyxoh 2nd Driftspin 3rd Mersea Island

NARIKO relished similar underfoot conditions when last seen, winning over C&D in May, and Hugo Palmer's filly is expected to handle a 7lb rise from the handicapper. Parisiac finished second in the Bronze Cup at Ayr last week and has to enter calculations based on that display. Knebworth has been running consistently well and is never one to ignore, while Mr Wagyu and Flaccianello complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Nariko 2nd Parisiac 3rd Knebworth

Wiltshire hasn't been seen since winning at Newcastle at the end of June, but he's a four-year-old on the up and must be respected, along with Silky Wilkie, who finished a fine second in the Ayr Gold Cup last Saturday. The form of Jer Batt's recent C&D runner-up effort has worked out well and he's another of definite interest, but the vote goes to ABERAMA GOLD. David O'Meara's charge has yet to score this season, but softening ground conditions will play to his strengths. He is now 11lb below his last winning mark and it would come as no surprise were he to take the necessary step forward.
Prediction : 1st Aberama Gold 2nd Wiltshire 3rd Silky Wilkie

The ability to handle testing conditions will stand Music Piece, runner-up to the very promising Ballet Slippers at Ascot, in good stead. Progress is likely, but preference is still for CONSENT. A comfortable winner at Thirsk on her racecourse bow, the Lope De Vega filly must shoulder a penalty. However, she holds a Fillies' Mile entry and if she is going to take it up, Sir Mark Prescott will be hoping she can get the job done here. Miss Calvados appeals most of the remaining trio.
Prediction : 1st Consent 2nd Music Piece 3rd Miss Calvados

OUR MIGHTY MO will appreciate the return to testing ground, given he won a competitive nursery on heavy going over 6f at Hamilton earlier this month. The son of Kodiac is 3lb higher, but an apprentice's allowance helps on that score and this extra furlong will likely bring further improvement. It was soft underfoot when Tactical Plan won a maiden at Chester and he returns to handicap company with a shout, while Kempton novice winner Notimeforchitchat is one to note on his nursery debut.
Prediction : 1st Our Mighty Mo 2nd Tactical Plan 3rd Notimeforchitchat

Three Dons has won six times already this year and will relish the prevailing soft going. He warrants consideration, despite an 8lb rise for his latest success at Ffos Las, but the three-year-old FREE SPEECH is equally progressive. Ed Dunlop's filly has benefited from the application of cheekpieces and this extra test of stamina should play to her strengths as she bids for a hat-trick on the back of winning over the extended 1m3f here. Percy Shelley has tumbled down the handicap and can get involved off his current mark.
Prediction : 1st Free Speech 2nd Three Dons 3rd Percy Shelley