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Haydock 1.50

Haydock 1.50 Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 2 miles 3 furlongs - Soft - 15 run

This is a real puzzle and we have to take the Going description with a bit of trust.

I'm anticipating a truly run race with some proper pace and not a dawdle and if that's the case I think a few with a bit of proven stamina can come to the fore with Going on the softer side an asset to them.

If the race is truly run I'm inclined to take on Kid Commando and Shakem'Up Arry at their likely odds as both need to proven conclusive stamina down this never ending straight that takes no hostages to fitness and the ability to gallop right to the line.

Ariverderci won on seasonal debut, is clearly progressive but is up 8lbs and the words "Jonjo" can't ever fill me with confidence as rarely do i get his right, does anyone?. Forest Bihan is a nice horse and will win races but i feel may just need this race after over a year off. Dear Sire is in form but just a niggle about the handicap mark and Going in this company.Umbrigado could benefit from a drop in trip but I'm not sure they know what the best trip is?. If they hit the magic button in terms of optimum trip could be a very dangerous rival for anyone here. I'd also take WAR LORD to improve for seasonal debut, many in the Yard have and I'd wager he will finish in front of Arriverderci here with fitness and a 3lbs pull.

I toyed between War Lord and three others for an age but finally narrowed it down to a tip and a pair of Trackers with WAR LORD as my reserve.

OUR POWER has had a run already, the Yard is slowly coming in to the kind of form many had expected 4-6 weeks ago and I think the drop in trip with proven fitness and nice handicap mark is the key here. FLASH THE STEEL strikes me as another who will improve for a run, proven at the trip and the Stables horses are rarely beaten wanting for being race fit. At longer Odds I think the Hobbs/Johnson pairing can surprise a few with LE LIGERIEN who also benefits from a season debut, a Course winner on heavy and another who will surely thrive off a decent pace and be doing its best work late in the contest.

TIP - Our Power / Trackers - Flash The Steel + Le Ligerien (reserve War Lord @ 9/1)