13:25 Haydock

Saturday 5 September 2026

All13:2513:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25

Betfair Backs Opinions Superior Mile Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 1m 45.25s

(3)

Balmacara⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Callum Hutchinson| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 100

28/1

Highly tried since winning a couple of novices as a 3-y-o and looks up against it once more.

Form: 00-3760

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(7)

Dancing Gemini^p⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: R A Teal| OR: 117| D

6/1

Smart performer on his day, as shown in the last 2 renewals of the Lockinge at Newbury (fourth this season). However, not as reliable as he used to be and he needs to shrug off a poor run at York (beaten before the trip became an issue).

Form: 90-6455

(4)

Fondo Blanco⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Ray Dawson| T: R Varian| OR: 101| CD

11/1

Progressive at 3 yrs, winning C&D handicap before good fourth in listed company at Nottingham. Failed to fire on his first 2 outings this season but was back to his best when runner-up in handicap at Goodwood (soft) last week. More needed at this level, however.

Form: 214-002

(1)

Persica¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: R Hannon| OR: 114| D

10/3

Dual Group 3 winner in 2025 and just as good this season, getting back to winning ways in listed race at Newbury. Did enough to suggest he was still in form at York 2 weeks ago and, with conditions unlikely to be a problem, he's one for the shortlist.

Form: 425213

(8)

The Lost King¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P J McDonald| T: A M Balding| OR: 109| D

6/1

Thriving sort who took his form to another level when winning handicaps at York on his last 2 starts. Looks ready for this higher level now so another bold bid is anticipated with conditions no problem.

Form: 134011

(6)

Colori Forever⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Marco Ghiani| T: M Botti| OR: 103

11/1

Posted a borderline smart effort when coming from off the pace to win handicap at Ascot in May. Had excuses in the Jersey there next time and was back on track when second in Newmarket listed event. Needs to take a step forward back at this level.

Form: 2-12102

(5)

Hankelow¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 113| D

5/1

Won 2 of his 3 starts at 2 yrs, notably a Newmarket Group 3 on final outing. Excellent third in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on return. Well below that level on his next 2 starts but he had valid excuses, so he isn't one to write off for a yard that has won the last 2 renewals of this.

Form: 121-309

(2)

Needle Match³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 107

3/1

Maiden winner at Newbury (heavy) on sole start at 2 yrs. Much improved despite still needing the experience when fourth in the Greenham there on return but struggled in 2000 Guineas next time. However, firmly back on track after a break when second in Leopardstown Group 3 and can do better again.

Form: 1-402

(9)

Redemption Road⁸⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: H Crouch| T: Michael Keady| OR: 104| D

50/1

Just a maiden win to his name but was an excellent third in Leopardstown Group 3 on final start for David Marnane in June (subsequently sold for £260,000). Handles the mud well but another career best is required for him to get involved again here.

Form: 28-3363

Forecasts

Needle Match (3/1), Persica (10/3), Hankelow (5/1), The Lost King (6/1), Dancing Gemini (6/1), Fondo Blanco (11/1), Colori Forever (11/1), Balmacara (28/1), Redemption Road (50/1)

NEEDLE MATCH found the 2000 Guineas coming too soon in his development but he got his career firmly back on track with an eye-catching second in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last month so he shades the vote over fellow 3-y-o Hankelow, who has had valid excuses since his excellent third in the French 2000 Guineas. Decent claims can also be made for Persica and The Lost King.