UK Horse Racing Tips: Haydock

BLUE STORM has only raced twice since he won this race last year and could be worth chancing. The four-year-old looked in need of the run when he finished sixth in a race stolen from the front over C&D three weeks ago. With match-fitness topped up, this might be a good time to catch him. The hat-trick seeking Woolhampton and Vintage Clarets are other strong candidates, while fellow track-and-trip winner Duran also commands respect.
Prediction : 1st Blue Storm 2nd Woolhampton 3rd Vintage Clarets

WOVEN was beaten by only a neck in the Bronze Cup at Ayr last week and could gain immediate compensation back here. The consistent nine-year-old is set to encounter ideal conditions as he bids for back-to-back wins in this race and is a must for a consideration off just 1lb higher than 12 months ago. Grant Wood and Vantheman are dangerous to underestimate on these terms, while Sergeant Pep and Trilby are previous course winners capable of bold showings.
Prediction : 1st Woven 2nd Grant Wood 3rd Vantheman

FIRST AMBITION is on the upgrade and the sky is currently the limit with this late-developing four-year-old. Unraced until this January, the son of Invincible Spirit - whose dam is non other than multiple Group 1 winner Laurens - showed a professional attitude when breaking his maiden at Newcastle, before posting an even more determined effort in a novices' event at Southwell last month. An opening mark of 91 suggests he is above average and he is the most intriguing option on his handicap/turf debut. Midnight Gun and Hawksbill are other key players.
Prediction : 1st First Ambition 2nd Midnight Gun 3rd Hawksbill

Some intriguing newcomers are on show and a tentative vote is for SAXOPHONIC. The 625,000gns son of Dubawi packs enough class and stamina in his pedigree to suggest that a race of this nature is within his compass. Poseidon's Warrior fetched 900,000 euros at the sales and could have a major say, along with Double Combo, who represents last year's winning trainer. Of the few with experience, Lost Boys looks the pick following a close-up third at Ascot.
Prediction : 1st Saxophonic 2nd Poseidons Warrior 3rd Lost Boys

The Karl Burke yard can do little wrong at present and NADA TWO sets the standard in this contest, following a highly promising debut at Thirsk last month when keeping on in second. The daughter of Night Of Thunder will need to learn to settle better on this occasion, but she should have enough to see off Salisbury third Morven, who may well enjoy better ground on this occasion. An unlucky sixth when not getting a clear run and keeping on well towards the finish at Ascot, Rossa Raheen is another open to improvement.
Prediction : 1st Nada Two 2nd Morven 3rd Rossa Raheen

REAL MAN represents last year's winning yard and returns to 7f with solid claims. Beaten less than a length in third when failing to land the odds over a mile at Thirsk on his nursery bow, Karl Burke's charge is taken to make amends here. Land Of Liberty has shown steady improvement and found only one too good at Newbury on her nursery debut, while Saniyaat's Star shaped well in a C&D maiden and is one to note now handicapping.
Prediction : 1st Real Man 2nd Land Of Liberty 3rd Saniyaats Star

STEEL TIGER put a couple of disappointing efforts behind him when placing on soft ground at Windsor. A winner over this longer distance back in April, the son of Almanzor could launch a strong challenge only 3lb higher. Contacto acquitted himself well in the Old Borough Cup here last time and this is an easier assignment. He will likely have a say in proceedings, while it's worth keeping an eye on the Carlisle maiden winner Thosewerethedays on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Steel Tiger 2nd Contacto 3rd Thosewerethedays