18:25 Haydock

Friday 17 July 2020

All16:2516:5517:2517:5518:2518:5519:2519:5520:25

Tapster Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 18:25 | Winning time: 2m 32.98s

(5)

Alignak⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 96| D

4/1

Typically progressive sort from this yard, destined to do better as a 4-y-o, and won well on handicap debut at Newcastle last time. Little time wasted in stepping up in class, and more to come.

Form: 8/231-1

(3)

El Misk¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 105| D

8/1

Progressive last year having been unraced at two. Proved himself as good on turf when short-head second to Universal Order in a 1½m Listed race at Newmarket last month. Has solid credentials, assuming he can handle the forecast ground.

Form: 21221-2

(2)

Entangling¹⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Dane O'Neill| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 95| D

66/1

Consistent efforts since landing a 1½m handicap at Lingfield in December. Out of his depth in the Winter Derby at Lingfield when last seen, and this also looks a bit too tough.

Form: 413-235

(4)

Ispolini^t⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 112

7/2

Has undertaken the majority of his recent racing abroad, winning twice in early 2019 at Meydan, and ended the year by winning the German St Leger. Well held in Sagaro Stakes on his return, but should do better eased slightly in class here.

Form: 11241-0

(1)

Mountain Hunter^p²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Jason Watson| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 108| D

11/1

Inconsistent this year, his best effort when third in a Group 2 at Meydan in March. Below form at Royal Ascot on his return from a break, and while this is easier, he's passed over on balance.

Form: 1-53037

(6)

Trueshan⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: M Harley| T: A King| OR: 109| D

5/4

Best effort last year when beating a smart sort in Hamish at Newbury in October. Needed the run behind Dashing Willoughby at Newmarket on return, and expected to get back on track here. Big chance.

Form: 11211-4

(7)

Grace And Danger³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 98

22/1

Held her own at Listed level throughout last year without really looking likely to be successful in this company. Too free on reappearance at Doncaster last month, and should do better, but seems held on form.

Form: 48234-6

Forecasts

Trueshan (5/4), Ispolini (7/2), Alignak (4/1), El Misk (8/1), Mountain Hunter (11/1), Grace And Danger (22/1), Entangling (66/1)

TRUESHAN did well to beat the progressive Hamish (pair clear) on his final 3-y-o outing, and will have no trouble coping with the ground, which gives him the edge over the progressive El Misk. Alignak has a little to find on form, but he looks the type to make up for lost time this year, and is not taken lightly.