David Massey guides us through today's action and has two bets on the card at Haydock.
Racing betting tips: Thursday March 4
1pt win Maximillian in the 14:45 Haydock at 7/2 (General, take no lower)
1pt win Is This For Real in the 15:15 Haydock at 7/2 (General, min 3/1)
14:45 Haydock – Tim Molony Handicap Chase (0-135) 3m4f97y
The going at Haydock will be close to good all round on Thursday, and that might be an issue for one or two here, notably Iron Bridge and Wal Buck’s, both of whom are very much at home in the mud. That pair head the market, so opposing them could provide value, and MAXIMILIAN makes plenty of appeal tackling an extended staying trip for the first time. Donald McCain’s charge does have heavy ground form, but his best efforts over fences have come on quicker ground, while he’s long shown stamina beyond the apparent confines of his pedigree. He can sometimes look lazy at shorter trips so the step up is expected to suit and his stable always does very well at Bangor, which is not too far from the McCain base in Cholmondeley.
15:15 Haydock – Class 4 (0-120) Handicap Hurdle 2m2f191y
I’m a little surprised that recent Newcastle winner IS THIS FOR REAL isn’t a shorter price here, for all he heads the market. He improved under aggressive tactics to win by 2½ lengths from Madame La Papillon at Newcastle, clearing away in the straight before holding the late challenge of the runner-up. He jumped better there than had been the case and enterprising tactics seem to suit him in that regard. I’d not be surprised to see him start much shorter than the overnight price of 3/1 and he should prove hard to beat with a slightly longer trip a positive. It’s worth noting that he’s entered again at Stratford on Monday, suggesting that Fergal O’Brien is keen to strike while the iron’s hot.
15:50 Haydock – Class 4 (0-120) Handicap Hurdle 3m58y
Outer Banks had excuses when pulled up with a breathing problem at Market Rasen last time and he returns from surgery to correct that issue wearing cheekpieces for the first time. That would normally be a concern for me, but Stuart Edmunds has a fine record when first putting headgear on his runners and backing all of his horses wearing headgear for the first time would have returned a profit of £333.60 for a tenner at SP over the last five seasons.
Prior to his latest disappointment, Outer Banks had shown himself capable of winning a race like this when winning on handicap debut at Wetherby a year ago, and his 13-length winning margin over Shared there makes a rise of 8lb look less than severe, even if he couldn’t take advantage at the first attempt.
- Preview posted at 09:35 GMT on 05/03/26
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