16:40 Haydock

Saturday 7 August 2021

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4017:10

MansionBet Watch And Bet Handicap

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 1m 34.66s

(5)

Russco¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Ella McCain⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 70| D

3/1

Has really come good on tapeta at Wolverhampton of late, landing back-to-back 7f handicaps, making all on both occasions. Another big run not ruled out back on turf if allowed to stride on.

Form: 725611

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(3)

Mellys Flyer^h¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: R Kingscote| T: George Scott| OR: 70| D

4/1

Looked well served by a positive ride when making all at Epsom (7f) 3 weeks ago. Similar form when third at Newbury (7f, good to firm) next time and possibilities under Richard Kingscote.

Form: 823913

(7)

Lead Story²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 69| D

9/2

Winning handicap debut on the AW in March and again ran well when placed in handicaps at Catterick/Carlisle at around 7f in June. Seemingly not 100% over 1m here latest and type to bounce back.

Form: 420236

(2)

Two Cop Bop^p1⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Megan Nicholls| T: K A Ryan| OR: 68

6/1

Progressed with each start as a 2-y-o, signing off with success in Hamilton nursery (6f) in September. Solid start in handicaps during the spring but more recent efforts poor. Cheekpieces go on.

Form: 21-5340

(1)

Acquisitor^p²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Billy Garritty⁽³⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 67| D

2/1

Arrives here on a roll, completing the hat-trick with a narrow success in an amateur jockeys' handicap at Chester (7.6f, soft) last month. Only 2 lb higher now and leading claims.

Form: 963111

Non-Runners

(4)

Baileys Afterparty²⁰

Weight: 9-3| Age: 3

T: R A Fahey J: Connor Murtagh

(6)

Northbound³⁸

Weight: 9-2| Age: 3

T: Miss J A Camacho J: P Mulrennan

Forecasts

Acquisitor (2/1), Russco (3/1), Mellys Flyer (4/1), Northbound (4/1), Lead Story (9/2), Two Cop Bop (6/1), Baileys Afterparty (10/1)

A competitive 7f handicap despite the small field with the vote in favour of ACQUISITOR. He's been in red-hot form, completing the hat-trick at Chester (7.6f) last month, and looks sure to go close again. Northbound took a step back in the right direction at Thirsk and can feature, along with Mellys Flyer and Russco.