Away from the clash of the Titans at Punchestown, I look at the Haydock card, where I have three strong fancies.
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Best bets for Saturday horse racing
- Haydock 1:50 Iroko 7/4
- Haydock 2:30 Gwennie May Boy 14/1 each way
- Haydock 3:05 Royale Pagaille 4/1
Haydock 1:50 – Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase (2m5½f)
IROKO, the former winner of the Martin Pipe Hurdle, can make up for a stop-start season last year.
The Martin Pipe is a race that I follow closely every year and is one that has a knack for producing top-level horses, and Iroko can meet that high standard.
After an impressive chase debut over 2m4f at Warwick, Iroko suffered a setback and was thrown straight into Grade 1 company in the Turners Novices’ Chase on his comeback, where he ran as well as could be expected to finish fifth.
As expected, he came on for that run and ran a big race to chase home Inothwayurthinking in the Grade 1 Mildmay Chase at Aintree, with the Heart Wood back in third and Chianti Classico in fourth.
That form stands out for me. I know they have toyed with the idea of running in the Grand National in the long term, but Iroko will be too good for the National.
If he is in the same form as when he won his first race last season, I see him being very hard to beat.
- Current Betting: Iroko 7/4, Trelawne 7/2, Tahmuras 5/1, Hillcest 8/1, Deafening Silence 9/1, Lieutenant Command 100/1.
Haydock 2:30 – Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (3m½f)
This is a great betting race to dive deep into, and I have come away liking the chances of a Dan Skelton runner. But it’s different from the one you may be thinking of.
The one I like is GWENNIE MAY BOY.
He has flourished since arriving at Dan Skeletons at the end of February, winning three handicap hurdles on the bounce and finishing off the season with an easy win in the Premier Handicap Hurdle at the Aintree Festival.
He won that off a mark of 126 and is now off 137, but given his rapid progression last season, Gwennie May Boy may have more to offer.
The form of his wins is working out well, with plenty of next-time-out winners in behind and with no issues with the ground no matter what it does; he looks to be a standout each-way bet here at 14/1.
Uncomplicated and keeps finding off the bridle, he is excatlly the kind of horse you want for a test like this around Haydock.
- Current Betting: Doyen Quest 3/1, Catch Him Derry 6/1, Shoot First 7/1, Backmeorsackme 9/1, One Big Bang 10/1 Kerryhill 12/1, Patriotik 12/1, Gwennie May Boy 14/1, 16/1 bar.
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Haydock 3:05 – Grade 1 Betfair Chase (3m1½f)
The Betfair Chase is the highlight on today’s card at Haydock, and I see this going to the course specialist, ROYALE PAGAILLE.
Royale Pagaille has a four-from-five record at Haydock, including an emphatic win in this very race last season.
Conditions are also coming in his favour, and the more the rain falls, the greater his chances become.
Given that he is ten, soon to be eleven, there is every reason to believe that Venetia Williams will have this down as his Gold Cup.
This may be his last chance to bag a Grade 1 chase, and you can be sure that no stone will be left unturned when preparing Royale Pagaille to defend his crown.
He has one more big run left in him, and that will be today.
- Current Betting: Grey Dawning 5/2, Royale Pagaille 4/1, Ahoy Senor 6/1, Hewick 10/1, Limerick Lace 10/1, Bravemansgame 12/1, Capodanno 12/1, The Real Whacker 16/1, Gold Tweet 20/1.
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About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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