4:45 Haydock Tips

Glenridding heads to Haydock today after a couple of solid runs this season, including a third at Lingfield in March. He’s back down to a mark of 69, which is 3lb lower than his last winning rating, and the return to turf could suit. If he gets a clean trip, he’s got a decent shot at getting involved.

3yo irish filly Adorla Of Achill was a good 4th of 12 lto over the extended mile at Nottingham. This was her first run as a 3yo and on turf. So could easily make another step forward here today and should be in the mix.

Beaten a neck last time and punished a little bit for that. It should be noted that we are still 8lb above our last winning mark. But as usual in this circumstance, we hope that we are an improving sort.

Groundsman lines up in the Oakmere Homes Supporting Macmillan Grassroots Handicap (Class 5) over 1 mile, with £4,500 to the winner. Trained by Richard Fahey, one of the leading yards in the north, the stable has had a slow start to the season but has produced three winners in the last fortnight, suggesting momentum is building. Groundsman ran four times as a juvenile, showing promise in his first three starts before undergoing a gelding operation. He was well-backed at Chester, delivering an impressive third-place finish on 21st September. He was declared for Doncaster in April, but the ground was too quick, leading connections to wait for softer conditions. Now, with Danny Tudhope booked, and expected good ground at Haydock, he should be primed for a strong seasonal return. His handicap mark of 68 looks manageable, and with conditions finally in his favour, he appears well-placed for success.

I am not sure that the going had anything to do with his last run, even though last year's win and other decent runs were on softer going. He has still done well on a quicker surface, and LTO was probably a case of needing the run. The stable has been going well, and I'm expecting a better effort today.