14:50 Haydock

Saturday 24 April 2021

All14:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:0517:40

Casumo Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

Off time: 14:52 | Winning time: 1m 28.23s

(1)

Fox Champion¹⁶⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 95| D

4/1

Won the German 2000 Guineas and third in a French Group 1 as a 3-y-o. Disappointing last season but down in class here and interesting runner setting out for a new yard.

Form: 006700-

(5)

Another Batt¹⁹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Connor Beasley| T: T D Barron| OR: 94| D

8/1

Caused a bit of a surprise when winning on his first start for new connections after 11 months off at Thirsk (6f) in August. Below that level all 3 starts subsequently, though.

Form: 67/1009-

(2)

Firmament^p¹²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 9-9| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 94| D

20/1

Isn't the easiest to catch right these days, but was in decent nick on the all-weather when last seen in December and is still capable from this sort of mark when things fall right.

Form: 852554-

(7)

Persuasion¹⁹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: C Hills| OR: 93| D

8/1

Looked very good when winning a Goodwood maiden on debut in August 2019. Hasn't added to his tally since but posted a good effort over this trip when second at Leicester on final start in October.

Form: 62/0072-

(9)

Admirality¹⁹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: David Egan| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 92| D

16/1

On a long losing run but knocked on the door a few times last term prior to shaping much better than the bare result in the Coral Sprint Trophy at York last time. Goes well fresh so needs respecting.

Form: 622227-

(4)

Mustarrid¹⁶⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: Ian Williams| OR: 92| BF| D

33/1

Came right back to his best in the mud at Nottingham (8.3f) in October, forging clear to record wide-margin success. Wasn't in the same form under a penalty at Newcastle and is now 5 lb higher.

Form: 750014-

(3)

Dreamloper²³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: P J Dobbs| T: E Walker| OR: 91| D

4/1

Lightly-raced filly who resumed her progress with cosy success in 1m handicap at Ascot in September and has better to come this year.

Form: 43131-

(10)

Cold Stare^p,t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: M Harley| T: D O'Meara| OR: 90| CD

25/1

None too consistent but on a good mark and shaped as if retaining his ability on his recent return at Redcar. Best form on soft/heavy going, though.

Form: 87108-5

(12)

Marshal Dan²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: M Dwyer| T: H Main| OR: 89| CD

15/2

Is admirably consistent and returned from 4 months off at the top of his game when runner-up at Musselburgh (7.2f) 3 weeks ago. His current mark asks for a bit more, but he may find it.

Form: 31314-2

(8)

Gobi Sunset⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 85| D

6/1

Confirmed the promise of his reappearance in spades when making all at Newcastle earlier in the month and has found only one too good both starts since. Likely to continue in form.

Form: 90-2122

(11)

Sir Maximilian⁷³

Age: 12| Weight: 9-0| J: Thomas Greatrex⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 85| D

100/1

Veteran who has run poorly on his last 2 AW starts and looks vulnerable to younger rivals now returning to turf despite easing mark.

Form: 4645-76

(6)

Dulas¹⁷¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Callum Shepherd| T: C Hills| OR: 80

12/1

Fairly useful performer who reportedly returned lame when well below form at Kempton final outing last season. Has been gelded since. Remains low mileage.

Form: 51/8550-

(13)

Duesenberg³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: G Lee| T: R A Fahey| OR: 79| C| D

22/1

Confirmed reappearance promise when winning 5-runner handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 39 days ago, suited by way race developed. 2 lb rise fair but this is a stronger race.

Form: 6600-21

Forecasts

Fox Champion (4/1), Dreamloper (4/1), Gobi Sunset (6/1), Marshal Dan (15/2), Persuasion (8/1), Another Batt (8/1), Dulas (12/1), Admirality (16/1), Firmament (20/1), Duesenberg (22/1), Cold Stare (25/1), Mustarrid (33/1), Sir Maximilian (100/1)

DREAMLOPER had a productive 3-y-o campaign and appeals as the type to do better again this season, so she's put forward as the answer. Fox Champion drops in class on this return to action for a new yard so is worthy of respect, as is Admirality, who knocked on the door a few times in 2020 and goes well fresh.