25th-May-2024

Conditions are going to be testing at Haydock today, and I have long-since held the belief that an ability to act on soft ground at Haydock is a big asset to take back to soft ground at Haydock, a bigger asset than course form is on soft ground at most other courses.

Nellie Leylax has raced twice on soft ground at Haydock, and he has won on both occasions.  More than that, he put up a career-best performance last time, on soft ground at Haydock and stepped up to a mile for the first time.  He made all the running, and he was coming away from Aragon Castle close home, with the pair of them clear.  That was his first run over a mile, he remains unexposed over the trip. 

A 5lb hike was not harsh, he won with plenty in hand last time and, anyway, he should be progressive enough to take that hike in his stride.  This is a step up in grade, but he should be able to make the step up now.

Volterra and Cerulean Bay and Blue Lemons and Involvement were all on my shortlist, they are all dangers, but Nellie Leylax is the bet.

NELLIE LEYLAX WON (ADV 13/2, SP 9/2)