Haydock
Saturday, April 26, 2025FlatClass 26f
Verdict
Verdict
Having ended 2024 firmly on the up with a 4-timer, MYAL picked up where he left off when shaping particularly well in the Spring Mile at Doncaster a month ago. The return to this C&D (where he is unbeaten) will suit and he has a lot in his favour. Fellow low-mileage 4-y-o Skukuza is the type to rate higher this year so he's a threat, along with Thunder Roar, who finished ahead of the selection on Town Moor.
Myal
Skukuza
Thunder Roar
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 3 places
1. English OakJ: Tom MarquandT: Ed WalkerF: 2/2114629-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 108
- Days Since Last Run:
- 203
VerdictPosted personal best when landing 26-runner Buckingham Palace Stakes in June. Failed to cut much ice in pattern company to end 2024 and this mark leaves no margin for error on return from 6 months off.- 12. MyalJ: Sam JamesT: Steph HollinsheadF: 9651111-3
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-9
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 91
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictMuch improved during second-half of 2024, completing 4-timer (2 of which over C&D) with all-the-way success in a 17-runner handicap in October, proving 1¾ lengths too strong for Thunder Roar. Up 8 lb but shaped very well when third in the Spring Mile on reappearance. Major claims. - 8. SkukuzaJ: Rossa RyanT: Ed DunlopF: 23/6212-
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 96
- Days Since Last Run:
- 310
VerdictProgressed well last term, runner-up in handicaps at the Guineas meeting and the Britannia at Royal Ascot either side of his Newmarket breakthrough success (1m). Has 10-month absence to overcome but there's an air of untapped potential around him. - 9. Thunder RoarJ: Tom EavesT: Tony Coyle & Kaine WoodF: 24221-001d
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 8-13
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 95
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictConsistent type who deservedly regained the winning thread in 1m Redcar handicap (heavy) on final run of last term. Failed to figure first 2 starts in 2025 fitted with cheekpieces but better than ever when first past the post in the Spring Mile at Doncaster, only to be demoted. 
5. YorkshireJ: P. J. McDonaldT: Edward BethellF: 500211-51- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-2
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 98
- Days Since Last Run:
- 17
VerdictEnhanced already good strike rate with win number 6 in 7-runner handicap at Kempton (7f) 17 days ago, just holding on nut better than ever in the process. Reacted well to different tactics in the process but 3 lb rise forces him into a better race.
3. Cerulean BayJ: Daniel TudhopeT: David O'MearaF: 84521117-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 99
- Days Since Last Run:
- 224
VerdictThrived as a 3-y-o, completing a quick-fire hat-trick in 9-runner handicap at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) with a bit in hand in August. Finished lame when winning run was ended at Leoparstown and the market may prove revealing back from 7 months off.
2. RamazanJ: Joanna MasonT: Richard FaheyF: 8782030-6- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 99
- Days Since Last Run:
- 13
VerdictSmart performer who was back at the very top of his game when runner-up in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) in August. Not in the same form in his 4 subsequent starts, though fair chance he needed the run on Musselburgh reappearance and the assessor is relenting.
10. Divine LibraJ: Jason WatsonT: Charles HillsF: 91360820-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 8-13
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 95
- Days Since Last Run:
- 203
VerdictScored at Chester a year ago and plenty of solid effort sin defeat in handicap company in 2024, Ended campaign with a rare poor effort at Ascot but returns for in-form yard.
6. TelemarkJ: Harry DaviesT: Simon & Ed CrisfordF: 5/8100818-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-2
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 98
- Days Since Last Run:
- 210
VerdictImproved for fitting of a tongue tie when successful at Thirsk (7f) in June and bounced back to his best when winning 9-runner handicap at Doncaster (7f, good to soft, 12/1) in September. Failed badly to given his running at Newmarket a fortnight later and he's been off since.
11. GorakJ: Kieran ShoemarkT: Charlie FellowesF: 0/4200330-- Price History:
- 34.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 8-12
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 94
- Days Since Last Run:
- 185
VerdictWinless in 2024 but produced some fine efforts in defeat, including when third at Chester from this mark in August. Weakened out of it on the AW on final start over 1m and others more persuasive.
7. Blue For YouJ: Richard KingscoteT: David O'MearaF: 0/4001009-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 97
- Days Since Last Run:
- 197
VerdictEnhanced excellent York record when landing 14-runner handicap in July. Unable to land a blow all 3 starts since and he does seem fairly reliant on an end-to-end gallop to produce best form. Record fresh is encouraging and just 2 lb above that winning mark.
4. RhoscolynJ: Silvestre De SousaT: David O'MearaF: 0001925-6- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 99
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictPrevious C&D winner who enhanced excellent Goodwood record under his preferred underfoot conditions in September. Last of 6 in conditions stakes at Thirsk (7f, good, 28/1) 14 days ago and usually needs a few goes to bring him up to full speed.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite