6:53 Haydock Tips

Casino Star was only beaten by a neck and was nearly 2 lengths ahead of the next rival last time out in a C4 at 5f. It was the first time at that trip, and the winner went on to take third in a G3 last time out. I think this shows promise on the step up to C3 for a handicap debut.

Expecting Dance A Jig to do the job here. Placed 2nd at Ascot and Doncaster in March and May. Struggled in listed company at Royal Ascot festival over 6f in June. Should go well back to 5f today. Trainer Ralph Beckett's yard is 6-29 at Haydock. The yard had a 16% strike rate with 2-year-old runners in handicaps. Jockey Hector Crouch is on the board and has a 27% strike rate riding 2-year-old runners for this yard. Had a decent 14% success in nursery handicaps. So I think Dance A Jig is worth a shout in this one.

Undercover Affair got his second win when second-up in a handicap last month off a 79. While the next run was a bit down the pack, that was in a G3 and he could bounce back in the calmer waters of C3 off an 82. EW 2P

This gelding looks a solid option to me. He won well at Nottingham and beat a subsequent scorer in the process. Last time at Newcastle he met trouble and can make up for that here on handicap debut. His yard are in fine form too.