Valiancy
Valiancy was impressive in winning the three-year-olds' handicap run over a mile and six furlongs at Haydock on Saturday. Well back in the early part of the race behind no more than a moderate pace, he was last of the 10 runners as they turned for home. He came under a ride from Saffie Osborne early in the home straight, but he responded well. He stayed on well on the far side, he hit the front on the run to the furlong marker, and he stayed on well on the far side to win nicely, with more in hand than the three-parts-of-a-length winning margin from Ride The Thunder, who had a nice break on the race.
It was a nice performance by William Haggas' horse on just his sixth run ever. Winner of his maiden over a mile and three furlongs at Hamilton in June, he had run well in defeat in his next two races, both over a mile and six furlongs, and this was a career-best performance, in first-time cheekpieces. He did well to come from off the pace in a race that was not run at a strong gallop, as evidenced by his finishing speed of over 110% of overall speed, higher than the RaceIQ par of 105% in a race that was run in a faster time than The Reverend clocked in winning the Old Borough Cup over the same course and distance 35 minutes later. The handicapper raised him by 7lb for this win, but he has the potential to continue his progression now as a stayer. He is a half-brother to Givemethebeatboys, who won a Group 3 Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs for Jessica Harrington, but he stays well, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.
Haydock, 6th September 2025
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