Haydock 05 September 2026

Going: Heavy (Soft in places)
Stalls: Sprint Centre; Remainder Inside
 
Sunny spells

Forecast: Sunny spells
Temperature: 11.7° - 18.5°
Rainfall: none
Wind: 6.4 mph NW

All Racecards within one PDF

Instructions

1

13:25 Haydock (Class 1) (3YO plus)

Betfair Backs Opinions Superior Mile Stakes (Group 3)

7f 212y

Winner £53,874 - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Karl Burke has won the last two renewals and HANKELOW may well bounce back to form. Not at his best since finishing a terrific third in the French Guineas back in May, the son of Night Of Thunder should relish this return to a mile on soft ground and is taken to edge out Dancing Gemini, who has solid claims on his fourth in the Lockinge back in May. Persica cannot be left out of calculations, and the unexposed Needle Match merits a second look.

2

13:55 Haydock (Class 1) (2YO only)

Betfair Celebrates Bow Echo Ascendant Stakes (Listed)

7f 212y

Winner £25,520 - 5 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Boasting an official rating of 101, Rocket Boy has a leading chance after finishing a close third in Listed company at Salisbury. Saying that, FIRST LAW has given every indication he can take this step up in class in his stride. Charlie Appleby's colt showed signs of inexperience when making a winning debut at Sandown and the Dewhurst entrant should be a lot wiser with that outing under his belt. Arthurian and Rafe's da Man make most appeal of the remainder.

3

14:30 Haydock (Class 2) (3YO only)

Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

1m 6f

Winner £51,540 - 8 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Galilean Quality won at Ascot prior to finishing runner-up in the Melrose and looks sure to have a say in proceedings on the strength of that form. Things failed to go to plan for Mythical Bay in that York contest, having looked highly progressive before it, and he could be in the mix but a chance is taken on PIERRE GROSSE. The son of Palace Pier was narrowly beaten in the Ulster Derby when last seen on soft ground and another bold bid is anticipated from Jessica Harrington's charge.

4

15:05 Haydock (Class 2) (3YO plus)

Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

1m 6f

Winner £51,540 - 10 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

William Haggas has trained two of the last three winners of this and is back for more with Finalise, third in a Listed race in Germany on her only start of the season and open to improvement back in handicap company. However, AEGEAN PRINCE has won two of his four starts, with an impressive Ascot victory last October followed by a Listed second at Deauville, and he should have more to offer now upped in trip on his comeback. Dancing In Paris and Hermetic are others to consider.

5

15:40 Haydock (Class 1) (3YO plus)

Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1)

6f

Winner £226,840 - 8 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Softer ground might be an issue for some, although Kind Of Blue landed the British Champions Sprint at Ascot on a rain-affected surface in 2024 and has been supported to get back to winning ways. Big Mojo beat Kind Of Blue in this last season and is reportedly in fine fettle, but all his successes have been on a faster surface and ALMERAQ is narrowly preferred. He has winning form with cut in the ground, can be forgiven his ninth in the July Cup when not at his best, and is officially the best horse in the field.

6

16:15 Haydock (Class 2) (3YO plus)

Betfair Be Friendly Handicap

5f

Winner £23,193 - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Mick Appleby knows the sort needed to win this and he runs Arklow Lad, winner of the 'Dash' at Epsom in June but last of 11 at Hamilton last month. He must not be written off just yet but TRILBY has won eight times, the vast majority on a softer surface, and an added 3lb for last week's success at Beverley may not stop a follow-up. Elara May and Black Star Boy could battle it out for minor money.

7

16:50 Haydock (Class 3) (3YO plus)

HKJC World Pool Handicap

6f 212y

Winner £15,702 - 11 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

BRIAN proved much more competitive when finishing second to a subsequent winner at Newbury and he makes plenty of appeal off an unaltered mark. Moreover, the four-year-old enjoys cut in the ground so conditions look ideal. Monday's Epsom runner-up Rhoscolyn clearly retains plenty of ability and a 2lb lower figure makes him a live threat, while Brighton Boy should appreciate a return to this trip.

8

17:25 Haydock (Class 4) (3YO plus)

Betfair.Betfair Handicap

7f 212y

Winner £10,468 - 12 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Rating
Expert View (star rating)

Having gained compensation for a string of creditable efforts in defeat when scoring in style at Thirsk, Military Leader is dangerous to dismiss. That said, a 9lb hike could be enough to anchor the five-year-old, with CROWN OFFICE taken to benefit. William Haggas' gelding found only a subsequent winner too strong on his most recent outing at Nottingham and a second career victory may beckon. The Sweet Escape arrives at the top of his game and completes the shortlist.

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