Saturday
A competitive weekend awaits us with some good cards at Haydock and Sandown. The Old Newton Cup is the feature race at Haydock where I quite like two at a decent price. ALRIGHT SUNSHINE is going to be Keith Dalgliesh's final runner so it would be apt if he could go out with a winner. I've no doubt he has been primed for this race at a course where he has such a good record. He has gone close in better races here so he certainly has the ability and I don't think there is anything lurking down the bottom so his extra weight shouldn't hinder him.
At a similar price I think EUCHEN GLEN is worth chancing. I know, another weekend column and I put him up again but he is certainly on a nice mark now. His recent run at Ayr suggested he is at the top of his game and I'm sure he will get a good tow into this which is what he really needs. At 20/1 he is a value bet.
Earlier on the card the 3 year olds do battle over 1m 6f and I can't quite believe how big a price RATHGAR is. He disappointed last time out but that was a run that was surely too bad to be true and he is better judged on his earlier form where he gave the impression that he was a smart stayer in the making. Jack Channon is enjoying a fine first season in charge and I think he could be in the money again tomorrow.
Down at Sandown I think MAJESTIC is the bet on the card with Ryan Moore in the saddle. Again Jack Channon trains and he can count himself unlucky not to have notched up a victory or two this season already. Good runs at York and Epsom have not been rewarded but compensation may await here where the stiff finish should play to his strengths.
Haydock 2.05 – Rathgar
Haydock 3.15 – Alright Sunshine / Euchen Glen
Sandown 4.15 – Majestic
